Sen. Alvord Applauds Senate Confirmation of Executive Nominations

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate has voted to confirm seven executive nominations carried by Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson.

Each nominee was selected by the Governor to serve a state agency, board or commission and was later confirmed by both the appropriate standing Senate committee and the full Senate.

“It was an honor to carry these outstanding nominations and see them confirmed by the Senate. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and leadership to their respective roles,” Alvord said. “From education and healthcare to banking, conservation, and the arts, their service will strengthen our state and benefit Oklahomans.”

• Eric Chapman of Mannsville was appointed to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission for a term ending July 1, 2032. A fourth-generation rancher, Chapman brings over 40 years of leadership experience in livestock management, land stewardship, and agricultural finance, along with significant board involvement in both state and national livestock and conservation organizations.
• Keith Gray of Ardmore was reappointed to the Board of Regents of Murray State College for a seven-year term ending June 1, 2032. Gray is the third-generation owner and operator of The Gray Companies. He is currently Chairman of the Board of the Goddard Youth Foundation.
• Jerold Phillips of Ardmore was confirmed to the State Banking Board to serve an unexpired term ending June 1, 2026. He is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Citizens Bank & Trust Company of Ardmore.
• Dr. Abdul Khan-Sahibzada of Ardmore was reappointed to the Health Care Workforce Training Commission for a five-year term ending June 5, 2030. A nephrologist with 25 years in private practice, Dr. Khan has contributed significantly to healthcare in Oklahoma, holding various leadership and advisory roles throughout the state.
• Dr. Ryan Oden of Davis was also reappointed to the Health Care Workforce Training Commission for a five-year term ending June 5, 2030. A staff physician at Arbuckle Memorial Hospital in Sulphur, Oklahoma, since 2010, Dr. Oden also serves as Chief of the Medical Staff and has been a member of the Davis Public Schools Board since 2012.
• Jessica Thompson of Kingston was confirmed to the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority for a seven-year term ending June 30, 2032. Thompson serves as an elementary school lead teacher and STEM & GATE Coordinator at Kingston Elementary School.
• Shannon Crites of Ardmore was appointed to the Oklahoma Arts Council for a three-year term ending June 30, 2028. Crites is a dancer, choreographer, producer, and educator with over six decades of experience in the performing arts. She is the founder of Shannon Crites School of Dance in Ardmore.

“These confirmations highlight the ongoing commitment to fostering strong leadership across Oklahoma’s key sectors, and I’m confident that these dedicated individuals will contribute to the state’s growth and success for years to come,” Alvord added.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Jerry Alvord at 405-521-5607 or Jerry.Alvord@oksenate.gov.