Governor Stitt names Interim Commissioner of ODMHSAS
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Governor Kevin Stitt has named an Interim Commissioner of Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS).
According to the Governor's Office, retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic has been chosen after the Senate and House voted to remove former commissioner Allie Friesen following various budget issues.
RELATED STORY: Oklahoma lawmakers override record number of vetoes, remove Stitt appointee in dramatic end to legislative session
'It is no secret that the Department of Mental Health has long been in need of reform,' said Gov. Stitt. 'It is imperative that Admiral Slavonic is allowed to do the hard work needed to remove corruption and conflicts of interest without political interference. There are brighter days ahead for this department and those that rely on its services. I'm grateful to Admiral Slavonic for his willingness to set another Oklahoma agency on the right course.'
Officials say Admiral Slavonic has served as director for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs under Stitt.
RELATED STORY: Senate votes to remove ODMHSAS Commissioner Allie Friesen, will now go through the House
'I'm grateful that Governor Stitt is so keenly focused on rooting out corruption and ensuring that government is working first and foremost for the citizens we are tasked with serving,' said Admiral Slavonic. 'The Department of Mental Health brings much needed services to many Oklahomans, and I look forward to ensuring that they have the tools needed to provide those services. I thank Governor Stitt for trusting me with this effort.'
According to the Governor's Office, President Trump previously appointed Slavonic to serve as assistant secretary of the Navy for manpower and reserve affairs. He has also served as deputy and principal assistant to the Secretary of the Navy and as chief operating officer and chief management officer for the Department of the Navy. He served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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