Governor Stitt Appoints Steven Harpe to Serve as Director of Department of Corrections

Today, Governor Stitt announced the appointment of Steven Harpe to serve as the Executive Director of the Department of Corrections. Prior to this appointment Harpe has served as state chief operating officer, executive director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, and deputy secretary of digital transformation and administration. He has also previously served the state as Chairman of the Board of Corrections.

“Steve has been a steadfast and loyal public servant to our state, and I am so proud of his dedication to bettering the lives of Oklahomans,” said Governor Stitt. “I am glad for his continued service, and am eager to see his leadership and ingenuity positively impact another state agency.”

Harpe was appointed Oklahoma’s chief operating officer in July 2021 by the governor, and since assuming this role has led state agencies to increased efficiencies measured in the areas of finance, human capital, relationships, and business processes. The improved efficiencies have saved the state and Oklahoma taxpayers money, while improving the services the state provides. More information on efficiencies gained in the past year can be found top.ok.gov.

In addition to his role as state COO, Harpe served as the executive director of OMES and as the deputy cabinet secretary of digital transformation and administration. He stepped into the role of executive director in January 2020 and has skillfully led improvements to the agency’s culture and services provided for partner agencies across all platforms.

“It has been an absolute privilege to serve in my capacities as state chief operating officer and the executive director of OMES,” said Harpe. “The relationships I have developed in these roles over the last few years have been meaningful beyond words and I will treasure the experience and all that we have been able to accomplish. However, I have felt an undeniable pull to get back into the realm of Public Safety, where the governor first appointed me to begin my state service. The Department of Corrections provides critical services for our state by devoted and passionate employees. I appreciate the governor for trusting me with this responsibility and am ready to hit the ground running with our incredible team there.”

Prior to state service, for over 30 years Harpe led technology solutions in companies such as American Airlines, Capital One, Sabre, HireRight and CGI and worked on initiatives for the U.S. Navy and Marines. He brought his “Get Stuff Done” culture to state government that helps 189 agencies, affiliates and municipalities accomplish their daily missions on behalf of Oklahoma citizens.

An announcement will be made soon regarding a replacement for COO as well as interim director of OMES in a coming release.

The governor’s appointment order of Harpe can be read here.