Governor Stitt Nominates Dr. Deborah Shropshire for Interim Secretary of Human Services Following Justin Brown’s Resignation

Dr Deborah Shropshire

KOKH-Dr. Deborah Shropshire is getting a job promotion to Governor Kevin Stitt’s cabinet.

Earlier this month  Secretary of Human Services Justin Brown announced he was stepping down.

The Governor has nominated Dr. Shropshiree to take his place.

She will serve as the interim Secretary until she can be considered for legislative confirmation during next year’s session, which starts in February.

Dr. Shropshire was previously the director of DHS in Oklahoma. She was appointed to that position in January and confirmed as director in May.

She previously served as Director of Child Welfare Services.

“I’m thankful to Governor Stitt for the opportunity, and I’m looking forward to working more closely with the agency leaders within the Human Services Cabinet,” said Dr. Shropshire. “Many of us have served together in other roles, and we share a deep desire to serve Oklahomans with excellence. I’m also grateful for the leadership of Secretary Brown, and I hope to carry forward the principles of collaboration and innovation, which he and I both value.”

Brown was first named Secretary of Human Services in March 2020, right when the COVID-19 pandemic struck Oklahoma. He also served as Director of Human Services from June 2019 to July 2022.

Under Brown, and with the help of the legislature, Brown ended the agency’s decades-long waitlist for Development Disabilities Services. He also made improvements to the child welfare system.

“After my family, this incredible work has been one of the greatest joys and honors of my life, and made impacts I will carry with me forever,” said Brown. “I am proud of the legacy I am leaving behind at the agency and within the cabinet and the positive impacts we have made together for Oklahomans.”