Oklahoma Labor Commissioner to serve on Gov. Fallin's executive Cabinet

Oklahoma's governor has appointed Melissa McLawhorn Houston to her executive Cabinet.

Governor Mary Fallin announced June 5 that McLawhorn Houston will serve as the secretary of education and workforce development on her Cabinet. She begins her duties immediately. McLawhorn Houston was appointed in 2015 to fulfill the remainder of Labor Commissioner Mark Costello's term after he was killed in a stabbing. She is not running for re-election to the position.

“The best way we can support our businesses and grow our economy is to produce a more educated workforce. Aligning our education and workforce training programs to provide relevant work skills is the best way to keep job growth strong,” Fallin said. “Commissioner Houston has the skills and knowledge to ensure Oklahoma public education and our business communities cooperate to increase educational attainment in Oklahoma.”

McLawhorn Houston has served as chief of staff and policy adviser at the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office. She also have experience with the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security and the Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association.

“At the Oklahoma Department of Labor, we have increased collaboration to advance our mission of promoting the welfare of the wage earner and we have spearheaded efforts to reform occupational licensing. Continuing to build partnerships in this new role to assist the governor’s efforts in developing a skilled, educated workforce in our state will be a priority." McLawhorn Houston said.