Gov. Stitt Withdraws Zumwalt Nomination For Cabinet Post

Gov. Kevin Stitt has withdrawn Shelley Zumwalt for consideration for his Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, according to a letter he sent to Oklahoma Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat on Friday.

"I would like to respectfully withdraw the nomination and appointment order filed January 16, 2024 for Shelley Zumwalt as a member nominated to the Governor's Cabinet, serving as Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage," the letter read.

Zumwalt released the following statement regarding the withdrawal:

As a public servant, I will always choose to put the work of the state above all else. It’s been a distinct honor to serve the people of OK as the Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, if only for a brief time. Today I am withdrawing my Cabinet nomination from consideration with the Senate. The sole reason for this decision is to eliminate any distractions from my service to Oklahomans. While difficult, this decision will allow me to concentrate on my position as Executive Director of OTRD and to continue my service to our state as I have done for the past 12 years. I am thankful to Governor Stitt for his continued confidence in me as the Executive Director of OTRD.

This comes after Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond called for her resignation following an audit of the State's Office of Management and Enterprise Services. Zumwalt has asserted that she has no plans to resign.

Drummond shared on social media saying, "...Ms. Zumwalt, who should not be allowed to serve in any leadership position that oversees the expenditure of our tax dollars."

Related Stories:

1. Zumwalt Responds To Audit, Calls For Her Resignation
2. Gov. Stitt Responds To 200-Page State Audit On OMES
3. State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd On Federal Audit Revealing Misused Funds