Yarbrough Resigns as OKDHS Commission Chair

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL-- The Chairman of the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services announced Tuesday morning his resignation as Chair.  Citing “an excessive investment of time,” Brad Yarbrough said he was stepping down following Tuesday’s regularly scheduled Commission meeting.  He will, however, remain a member of the Commission.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman these past eight months. I accepted at a time when the DHS faced many significant challenges. The role has been difficult and demanding. I’m pleased that, with the help of other Commissioners, agency staff, the AG, Legislature and Governor, the DHS has turned a critical corner. Recent achievements have, by most accounts, been historic. Serving as the Chair has been satisfying and I hope that it has benefitted our state.

“The duties as Chairman have required an excessive investment of time. But, because of the critical and worthy nature of the assignment, the sacrifice was merited. However, this level of involvement is unsustainable. Business opportunities and personal priorities now require more attention. To adequately accommodate, it’s necessary to resign as Chairman,” Yarbrough said.

Governor Mary Fallin appointed Yarbrough Sept. 8, 2011.  According to her office, the Governor is traveling out of state this week but will address the issue upon her return.

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