Governor Stitt Congratulates Secretary Starling on Next Chapter, Announces Schinnerer as New Energy Secretary
OKLAHOMA CITY (September 24, 2026) - Governor Kevin Stitt announced that Oklahoma Energy and Environment Secretary Jeff Starling would step down from his role as secretary on October 3rd.
“Jeff has been a valuable member of my team, and I know he’ll continue fighting for Oklahoman and American energy,” said Governor Stitt. “He has a deep knowledge of the permitting process, the energy landscape, and the new technologies on the horizon. He’ll continue to lead our state and our nation through the next generation of energy innovation.”
Starling has served as Oklahoma’s secretary of energy and environment since 2024.
“I’m so grateful for Governor Stitt and his work to champion Oklahoma’s energy industry,” said Secretary Startling. “His policies have set this industry up to continue to power our state and our nation, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to serve in this role over the past few years. I am excited to continue to advocate for our energy industry.”
Governor Stitt will name Chris Schinnerer to replace Starling for the remainder of his term. Schinnerer currently serves as the deputy secretary of energy and environment.
“Chris is well-known in Oklahoma’s energy circles,” said Governor Stitt. “He has long championed our oil and gas industry, and has helped lead the charge to explore new areas of energy development, including the state’s effort to secure a U.S. Department of Energy grant for one of three Nuclear Energy Lifecycle Campuses. I appreciate his counsel on these issues, and I’m grateful for his service to our state.”
Schinnerer has led on energy issues in the public and private sectors, serving in the Bush administration before returning to Oklahoma where he worked for Devon Energy and Lagoon Midstream.
“It is an honor to continue to serve my state in this capacity,” said Schinnerer. “Oklahoma has led the world in energy development for over a century, and we are on the cusp of the next generation of energy innovation. I’m proud to continue to support Governor Stitt and his administration through these opportunities and set Oklahoma up to continue to lead.”
