Drummond commends legislative firing of former Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesen

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 30, 2025) – After months of Gov. Stitt refusing to replace his appointed leader of Oklahoma’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the state Legislature late Thursday fired former Commissioner Allie Friesen in an unprecedented joint action. Attorney General Gentner Drummond has repeatedly and consistently called on the Governor to fire Friesen ever since it was discovered that tens of millions of tax dollars went missing on her watch with no explanation.

“I commend the Legislature for coming together to do what is in the best interests of vulnerable Oklahomans who depend on critical services provided by the Department of Mental Health,” Drummond said. “Gov. Stitt had every opportunity to do the right thing, but inexplicably he chose to protect a failed bureaucrat instead of making the changes necessary to best serve Oklahoma families. The Legislature showed tremendous resolve in spite of the Governor’s petty personal attacks and threats. That is true leadership, and I applaud them.”

The legislative resolution firing an agency head is believed to be the first ever such move in Oklahoma history. The action comes roughly three weeks after Drummond’s first public demand that Gov. Stitt terminate Friesen, and a few months after it was disclosed that millions of taxpayer dollars were missing from the agency.

A recent audit conducted at the request of Gov. Stitt and released days ago by State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd confirmed “glaring financial and systemic issues."

“The Governor has an opportunity to appoint a new leader who is actually qualified and capable to run an agency that handles nearly a billion tax dollars each year and serves countless Oklahomans struggling with mental health and addiction,” Drummond said. “I hope Gov. Stitt will look toward the future and do what is best for the families who depend on these vital services.”