Shelley Zumwalt tapped to lead state employment office

May 28--The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has named Shelley Zumwalt as the agency's interim director.

Zumwalt will lead the agency, which oversees unemployment claims. She replaces Robin Roberson, who resigned last week amid a statewide economic crisis and personal health issues.

The commission held an emergency meeting Wednesday to privately interview candidates for the position. After returning to its regular session, the board voted unanimously to hire Zumwalt, who since February has served as chief of innovation for another state agency, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

"I'm honored the OESC Board has selected me to lead this agency, but frankly, I don't think individuals and families waiting on unemployment relief really care who is in charge," Zumwalt said. "People without jobs just want the system to work and that's what I intend to make happen. I have thousands of Oklahomans who are counting on both me and this agency. We will not let them down."

Zumwalt began her state service almost a decade ago as a budget analyst at the Office of Management and Enterprise Services before overseeing communications at the agency's Employees Group Insurance Division. She was then named the agency's Public Affairs Division director.

In addition to her service at the agency, Zumwalt has served in the Office of the Governor as public affairs director and as chief of communications and strategic engagement for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.

"I can think of no other person that will bring what Shelley can to this agency," said OMES Director Steven Harpe. "She is a dynamic leader and problem solver with a true servant's heart. When others are running away from a crisis, Shelley is running towards it and that's why the state is fortunate to have her to lead this agency during this unprecedented time in our state's history."

Last week, the commissioners voted to let OMES handle its information technology services and business practices.

"For the past year-and-a-half I have worked with Shelley, and I have seen her work ethic and her enthusiasm for state service on display," said Oklahoma Secretary for Digital Transformation David Ostrowe. "This job will not be easy. It requires a leader that lays forth a clear mission and shows up every day ready to do battle and find innovative solutions that move the agency forward. I have no doubt Shelley is that leader."

___

(c)2020 The Oklahoman

Visit The Oklahoman at www.newsok.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.