Gov.-elect Henry Announces Finance Director, Top Staff Leaders

(Oklahoma City) Governor-elect Brad Henry has selected two longtime public servants and a financial officer from the private sector to help lead his gubernatorial administration.

Gerald Adams, a veteran staffer for three Oklahoma attorneys general, will serve as the new governor's chief of staff. Tom Spencer, the chief of staff for the state treasurer's office and a former assistant state attorney general, will act as general counsel in the new administration. Scott Meacham, an Elk City banker, will serve as director of the Office of State Finance.

Gov.-elect Henry announced the appointments Wednesday, saying the three Oklahomans will bring invaluable experience to his administration.

"Gerald and Tom are two of the most experienced hands in the public sector and Scott is one of the most talented financial minds in the private sector. During their respective careers, they have compiled impressive track records as dedicated and effective leaders, and have earned the respect of their peers in the process. I welcome their input and leadership in my administration," said Gov.-elect Henry.

Adams is perhaps best known for his lengthy service in the state attorney general's office. Over a 15-year span, he served as communications director for three attorneys general - Robert Henry, Susan Loving and Drew Edmondson. The Shawnee resident has spent the last year as communications director for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.

"I'm looking forward to continuing my public service and tackling the many challenges that face the state of Oklahoma. It will be an honor to serve in the Henry administration," said Adams.

Spencer is also a veteran of the state attorney general's office, serving for three different AG's as well. For the past seven years, the Edmond resident has served as chief of staff for State Treasurer Robert Butkin.

"I am gratified by the confidence that Gov.-elect Henry has expressed in me. Many issues must be addressed in the days and weeks to come, and I am looking forward to getting to work on them as a member of the new administration," said Spencer.

Scott Meacham will be director of the Office of State Finance. For the past 11 years, Meacham has served as chief executive officer of the First National Bank and Trust of Elk City. In recent weeks, he has been working as a member of Gov.-elect Henry's transition team.

"Because of his experience in the private sector, I believe that Scott will bring a fresh perspective to state government. In these tough budget times, it's critical to have someone who understands the bottom line and the need for efficiency in all operations. Scott is that kind of person," said Gov.-elect Henry.

Meacham is a certified financial planner who holds a bachelors degree in finance, a masters degree in business administration and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma. As OSF director, he will act as the governor's chief budget advisor and oversee his budget office.

"I'm very excited about making a contribution to the state of Oklahoma as a public servant. Although many revenue challenges confront our state, I think there are some opportunities as well. With hard work and dedication, I believe we can make government a more efficient operation that delivers better services to the people of Oklahoma," said Meacham.

With the selection of three of his top staff members, the transition of the new governor is moving ahead on schedule. Gov.-elect Henry is being assisted by a bipartisan transition team made up of more than two dozen Oklahomans from all walks of life. State Treasurer Robert Butkin is coordinating the transition process.

Biographical Information

Chief of Staff - Gerald Adams, 46, Shawnee
Communications director, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
Former communications director, Attorney General's office.
Bachelors degree, Oklahoma Baptist University.

General Counsel - Tom Spencer, 46, Edmond
Chief of Staff, State Treasurer's Office
Former assistant state attorney general
Bachelors degree, Oklahoma City University. Law degree, University of Oklahoma

Director, Office of State Finance - Scott Meacham, 39, Elk City
CEO First National Bank and Trust of Elk City
Certified financial planner
Bachelors degree, masters degree in business administration and law degree, University of Oklahoma