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Governor Stitt Names Interim Commissioner of ODMHSAS

On June 3, 2025, Governor Kevin Stitt appointed retired Navy Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic to temporarily lead Oklahoma’s agency responsible for mental health and substance abuse programs in Oklahoma City.
This appointment followed the legislature's vote to remove former commissioner Allie Friesen after months of investigation into budget shortfalls and allegations of financial mismanagement.
Gregory Slavonic, who served 34 years in the Navy and formerly led the state agency responsible for veterans' services, will concentrate on reforming the current department, rebuilding public confidence, and preserving essential programs.
Governor Stitt emphasized the importance of permitting Admiral Slavonic to address corruption and conflicts of interest free from political influence, while Slavonic thanked the governor for his strong commitment to eliminating corruption.
The transition signals an effort to stabilize the troubled department, improve financial stewardship, and ensure continued mental health support for Oklahomans amid ongoing reform needs.

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Pauls Valley Democrat

Lean Left

Townley supports veto override

Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore, commended the successful override of the governor’s veto of House Bill 1137, which removes barriers for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to support the Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons.

1 day ago

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Duncan Banner

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oklahomavoice.com

Lean Left

Stitt names interim Oklahoma mental health commissioner

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt named an interim commissioner of the Oklahoma mental health department Tuesday, following the Legislature’s vote to fire the previous agency head last week.

1 day ago

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KFOR-TV

Center

Governor Stitt names Interim Commissioner of ODMHSAS

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Governor Kevin Stitt has named an Interim Commissioner of Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). According to the Governor's Office, retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic has been chosen after the Senate and House voted to remove former commissioner Allie Friesen following various budget issues. RELATED STORY: Oklahoma lawmakers override record number of vetoes, remove Stitt appoi…

1 day ago·Oklahoma City, United States

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Tulsa World

Center

Stitt appoints Gregory Slavonic as interim mental health commissioner

The retired Navy rear admiral takes over after lawmakers voted to fire former commissioner Allie Friesen. Slavonic previously oversaw the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.

2 days ago·Tulsa, United States

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Oklahoman

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USA Today

Center

Stitt appoints interim commissioner of mental health agency after previous leader's firing

Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed a familiar face to embattled state agencies as interim commissioner for Oklahoma's mental health agency.

2 days ago·Oklahoma City, United States

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Reporter.net

Lean Left

Interim Oklahoma mental health commissioner named

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt named an interim commissioner of the Oklahoma mental health department Tuesday, following the Legislature’s vote to fire the previous agency head last week.

2 days ago

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