Senate Leader Chooses Paul Ziriax for Second Term as Secretary of Senate/Election Board

Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Brian Bingman announced he has selected Paul Ziriax, the Secretary of the Senate and the State Election Board Secretary, for a second two-year term in the dual post.

The Secretary of the Senate will be formally elected by state senators in January. By law, the Secretary of the Senate also serves as State Election Board Secretary.
“I am excited that Paul will remain in his current capacity for the next two years. He is a dedicated public servant and we are fortunate to have him as our Secretary of the Senate and Election Board,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

The Secretary of the Senate directs the Senate's floor staff, is the custodian of official Senate records, and provides parliamentary assistance to the Senate's presiding officer. The State Election Board Secretary is the chief administrative officer of the State Election Board agency and is the state's chief election official.

Ziriax has been Secretary of the Senate and State Election Board Secretary since January, 2009. Prior to this appointment, Ziriax served for six years on the Senate staff as a media and policy advisor to the Co-President Pro Tempore and two Senate Minority Leaders. Ziriax was chief of staff and press secretary to former U.S. Congressman Wes Watkins.

He is a Senate appointee to the State Capitol Preservation Commission and is a member of the National Association of State Election Directors and the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries. Ziriax holds a degree in Business Administration and Finance from Oklahoma State University, and is a life member of the OSU Alumni Association.