Stitt names interim state health commissioner
The Associated Press - May 23, 2020 12:15 pm
Oklahoma Air National Guard surgeon Col. Lance Frye smiles as he answers questions from the media after being named as interim commissioner of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, as the state continues to reopen in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Friday, May 22, 2020, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Oklahoma City (AP) — Gov. Kevin Stitt has named Oklahoma Air National Guard surgeon Col. Lance Frye as interim commissioner of the Oklahoma State Department of Health as the state continues to reopen in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
Frye, a medical doctor, replaces Gary Cox, whose nomination was never taken up by the state Senate after several senators expressed concerns that he lacks the qualifications to be state commissioner that include being a medical doctor or holding a master of science degree.
Because the appointment of Frye comes after May 1st, he will remain interim commissioner until the next session of the Legislature that begins next year.
