OKLAHOMA CITY (August 13, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt today announced the additions of Bond Payne as his new chief of staff and former Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman as his chief policy advisor.
Payne, the co-founder and chairman of Heritage Trust Company and the vice chairman of Argent Financial Group in Oklahoma City, brings years of business acumen and community relationships to the Stitt Administration.
“Bond Payne will play a key role in helping us build bridges both inside the Capitol and out in the community,” said Gov. Stitt. “He will be a trusted sounding board for me as we work together to carry out my vision of making Oklahoma a Top Ten state.”
Payne has served on Oklahoma City’s Bond Advisory Committee and Economic Development Trust and has held leadership roles with the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Downtown Club of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City YPO chapter. He also worked as a national recruiter for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce from 1995 to 1997.
“It is an honor to be able to serve Governor Stitt and my home state during this challenging time for Oklahoma,” said Payne. “I wholeheartedly embrace the Governor’s goal of Oklahoma becoming a Top Ten state and look forward to working with leaders across the state to make it happen.”
Former Gov. Frank Keating praised Payne’s hiring by saying he will serve Oklahoma with distinction.
“Bond Payne is the whole package,” said Keating. “I have known him for over 20 years, and he knows state government and what ails it. He is bright and competent and built a successful business. He is wise and humble and loves Oklahoma. Governor Stitt has selected the best to serve as his chief of staff.”
As chief policy advisor, Brian Bingman brings more than a decade of state legislative experience to the Governor’s Office. He represented Senate District 12 from 2006 to 2016 and House District 30 from 2004 to 2006. Bingman served as President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate from 2011 to 2016 and also as Mayor of Sapulpa from 1992 to 2004/
“I am excited to use Senator Bingman’s vast experience to partner with the Legislature to make our state a better place to live and work for all 4 million Oklahomans,” said Gov. Stitt. “He understands the process to get things accomplished at the Capitol and will be a great resource for my administration and our state.”
Bingman was the first Republican in state history to serve three terms as Pro Tempore of the Senate. Under his leadership, landmark workers’ compensation and lawsuit reform became law, and he authored and pushed for a reduction in Oklahoma’s income tax rate.
“I am honored to be asked to join Governor Stitt’s team and I am ready to dive in and get to work,” said Bingman. “Our colleagues in the Legislature share our desire to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state and together we can accomplish great things.”
Current Senate Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, championed Bingman’s work in the Legislature and says he looks forward to working with him on improving Oklahoma’s future.
“During his time as Senate leader, Brian Bingman successfully championed conservative policies like workers’ comp reform and other policies that laid the groundwork for Oklahoma becoming a Top Ten state,” said Treat. “His respect for the interaction, the equality and the unique roles of the legislative, executive and judicial branches will be a good addition to the Governor’s team. I respect Brian Bingman and am proud to call him a friend.
Bond and Bingman will officially join the team by Sept. 1. Exact start dates are still being determined.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT BOND PAYNE AND BRIAN BINGMAN:
“I’ve known Bond Payne personally for more than 20 years and have worked with him closely in many important initiatives. Bond is a respected leader in the Oklahoma City business and civic community and will serve Governor Stitt and all of Oklahoma with distinction,” -- Kirk Humphreys, former Oklahoma City Mayor
“I have partnered with Bond for almost a quarter of a century. I have watched him build Heritage Trust from an idea to a company with billions of dollars in assets. Bond is the type of leader that looks for the possible.” -- Ken Fergeson, NBC Oklahoma Chairman
“Brian Bingman is a composed leader. His political savvy and communication skills should give Governor Stitt an incredible compass to navigate relationships with all branches of government.” -- David Rainbolt, BancFirst Corporation Executive Chairman and Oklahoma Hall of Fame member
###
