09/10/2024
It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent Oklahoma County District 1 as County Commissioner for the past six years. I chose to run for County Commissioner in 2018 because I wanted to serve the people of Oklahoma County. I felt that I could make a difference in improving our criminal justice system, increasing access to affordable housing, and advocating for mental health care. I am so proud of the work we have done as a community over the last 6 years, and I feel this is the next right step in my career and in my service to Oklahoma.
I am most proud of my work on securing MAPS4 funding for new crisis centers, an addiction treatment center, and supportive housing for people living with mental illness. I am also extremely proud of leading the effort to build a new Behavioral Care Center next to our new jail that will provide mental health treatment instead of incarceration.
Mental health care has been my passion from day one and will continue to be my north star.
I am excited to take on this new journey at Mental Health Association Oklahoma as their new CEO. When I first filed for office back in 2017, my intent was to improve mental health care for Oklahomans. I am proud of the progress we have made through my work as Commissioner, and I look forward to continuing that work as CEO at MHAOK.
MHAOK is the state’s premier boots-on-ground nonprofit whose expertise and work exist primarily at the intersection of mental illness and homelessness – fighting every day to promote mental health, prevent su***de, end homelessness, and transform the justice system. MHAOK follows the Housing First model, which prioritizes safe and supportive housing as the first step toward treatment and stability.
My last day in office as County Commissioner will be September 30, 2024. I will begin my position as CEO on October 1, 2024.
Finally, I sincerely thank the outstanding community and voters in District 1 who put their trust in me. It has been an honor to serve you. Thank you to my incredible staff in District 1, my fellow County Elected Officers, and all the incredible staff at Oklahoma County. You show up every day to serve our community with very little thanks. I could not have done this important work without you.
