Fallin names Steven Buck Secretary of Health and Human Services

Steve Buck

OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Mary Fallin on Thursday named Steven Buck, the executive director of the Office of Juvenile Affairs, to serve as secretary of health and human services on her executive Cabinet.

Buck, who has spent most of his professional career working with mental health agencies and organizations, begins his new duties immediately. His appointment still must be confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate. He will continue to serve as OJA’s executive director.

“Steve has a distinguished career being an advocate for mental health concerns and has an overall knowledge of health issues in our state,” said Fallin. “Steve’s compassion is evident in the excellent job he has been doing heading up the Office of Juvenile Affairs. He will be a strong advocate for those needing our public health services and making sure our state employees have the tools they need to do their job well.”

As secretary of health and human services, Buck will be responsible for about 80 agencies, boards and commissions, including the Department of Human Services, the Oklahoma State Health Department, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

“I am honored by Governor Fallin’s appointment and look forward to assisting the health and human services agencies in their efforts to serve Oklahoma with innovation, compassion, and fiscal responsibility,” Buck said.