OCCY Elects New Officers, Thanks Commissioner Schneider for Leadership as Chair

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Three Oklahoma leaders with long records of service to children, families and communities across the state have been elected to leadership positions on the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth.

Dr. Kalie Kerth of Weatherford was elected chair, District Attorney Jason M. Hicks, who serves Stephens, Jefferson, Grady and Caddo counties, was elected vice chair, and Jonathan Hall of Tulsa was re-elected secretary. The officers' terms begin July 1, 2026.

All three officers serve as gubernatorial appointees to the commission. Kerth represents the State Postadjudication Review Board, Hicks represents the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council, and Hall represents business and industry.

The commission brings together leaders from government, community organizations and the private sector to address issues affecting Oklahoma children, youth and families and to encourage collaboration among agencies and stakeholders.

Annette Wisk Jacobi, executive director of the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, said the newly elected officers will help guide the commission's work as it continues strengthening systems and services that support Oklahoma children and families.

"Commissioner Kerth, District Attorney Hicks and Commissioner Hall each bring valuable experience and a deep commitment to serving Oklahoma children and families," Jacobi said. "Together, they represent varying perspectives that make this commission effective as we work to strengthen partnerships, encourage collaboration and improve outcomes for children and youth across our state."

The commission also recognized outgoing Chair John Schneider for his service.

"Commissioner Schneider has provided thoughtful leadership and a steadfast commitment to improving outcomes for Oklahoma's children and families," Jacobi said. "We are grateful for his service to the commission and for the support he has provided during his tenure as chair."

To learn more about the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth, its programs and services, or to submit a complaint regarding concerns about the care, treatment, safety or supervision of a child, visit oklahoma.gov/occy.

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About the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth:

Established by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1982, the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth includes both a statutorily created commission and a state agency that supports its work. The agency provides independent oversight of services for children and youth, investigates complaints and areas of concern involving the care, safety and well-being of children, facilitates citizen review of foster care and juvenile cases, coordinates planning among public and private partners, conducts child death reviews and supports multidisciplinary responses to child abuse. Through these efforts, OCCY works to strengthen services and improve outcomes for Oklahoma's children, youth and families.