Hendrick Leaves State Senate To Run State's Largest Agency

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senator Howard Hendrick (R-Bethany) is stepping down from his post as State Senator from District 52. Hendrick has been selected to take over the reins of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

"My appointment as Director of the Department of Human Services presents a tremendous challenge both personally and professionally," said Senator Hendrick. "During my years in the Senate, I have taken particular interest in this agency and I count it an honor to have been selected to lead DHS into the next century."

Hendrick was appointed to the director's position earlier this month by the Oklahoma Commission on Human Services. In recent years he has served on the Senate Human Resources and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Social Services. Both of these committees oversee the operations and budget of DHS.

Senator Hendrick's tenure in the Legislature spans 12 years. Other committee's on which he has served include; Education, Judiciary, Rules, and Small Business. The Senator also occupied various minority leadership positions including Minority Floor Leader.

"Serving in the Senate has truly been one of the most gratifying experiences in my life," said Hendrick. "The relationships I have forged and the knowledge I have gained while in the Senate will be cherished for the rest of my life."

The 43-year-old Hendrick has practised law for more than 17 years and has a Master's Degree in Business Administration and is a certified public accountant. He and wife Tracy have four children; Chelsey, Calley, Christiana, and Hudson.

"I would be remiss without thanking my family and the people of Bethany and Senate District 52 for the faith and confidence they have placed in me over the last dozen years," said Senator Hendrick. "My constituents have become my friends, and it has been an incredible honor to represent their interests and values at the State Capitol."

Hendrick takes over as Director on July 1.