Lt. Governor Pinnell Meets With New Oklahoma Careertech State Director Brent Haken

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Mariah.Carter@ltgov.ok.gov

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell met with Brent Haken, the new State Director for the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, to discuss the future of Oklahoma CareerTech. Haken began his official duties as State Director in January.

“Director Brent Haken has the experience and drive to take Oklahoma CareerTech to the next level,” said Lt. Governor Pinnell. “As a longtime educator and administrator, Haken knows the steps we must take to get Oklahomans the careers they want. I look forward to working together to strengthen and promote Oklahoma’s top ten CareerTech system.”

Haken comes to Oklahoma CareerTech from Morrison Public Schools, where he served in the roles of high school principal, elementary assistant principal, special education director, and testing coordinator. He is a member of the Oklahoma State Professional Education Council and Cooperative Council for Secondary Administrators and has served on several other boards and commissions.

“I am so pleased to work with the Lt. Governor on behalf of the education needs of our state,” said Director Brent Haken. “Lt. Gov. Pinnell has been a constant advocate for our state, specifically our Oklahoma Career Tech system and how we develop and train the workforce. We remain one of the best systems in the nation for career and technical education because of the visionary structure of the system and the support of our local business and industry.”

In 2022, Pinnell was honored with the OATC Distinguished Achievement Award for his work championing Oklahoma CareerTech. His video series “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech,” which showcases student success stories, has garnered over 20,000 views.

Episodes of “A Look at Oklahoma CareerTech” can be found on the Lt. Governor’s YouTube, Facebook Page, and Instagram.

For press inquiries, please contact the Lt. Governor’s office at 405-521-2161.