OK Sec. of Agriculture to Step Down Ahead of New Administration

Gov. Mary Fallin’s secretary of agriculture is stepping down two weeks before the inauguration of Oklahoma Gov.-elect Kevin Stitt.

Oklahoma Agriculture Secretary Jim Reese submitted a letter to Fallin on Monday in which he announced his resignation effective immediately.

Stit has chosen Oklahoma 4-H Foundation Executive Director Blayne Arthur to be his new secretary of agriculture. If approved by the Senate, Arthur will be the first woman to hold the position.

Reese was sworn into office on Jan. 10, 2011, as Fallin’s secretary of agriculture. Reese states in his resignation letter that the agency invested in water and soil conservation practices during his administration and increased youth development events through FFA, 4-H and youth rodeos.

Stitt is scheduled to be inaugurated to a four-year term as governor on Jan. 14.