Governor appoints new commerce secretary

Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed a new secretary of commerce and workforce development.

Scott Mueller will succeed outgoing secretary Sean Kouplen, a Tulsa banker who has served in the role for more than two years.

Mueller will oversee 30 agencies, including the Oklahoma Department of Commerce a nd t he Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development, according to a news release from Stitt's office.

A veteran of Goldman Sachs in New York and Dallas, Mueller has served as the managing member of Texas-based 313 Holdings LLC since 2016. He previously has served as the chief financial officer of Arcadia Capital, American Energy Partners LLC and businessman Aubrey M cC len don' s private companies and family office.

“I am determined to work with the superb men and women of our Commerce team to continue to build on the leadership shown by Sec reta ryKo up len ," Mueller said in a statement.

"I look forward to telling employers across the nation what we, as Oklahomans, already know — that we have a very capable workforce willing and able to help companies grow and succeed, that we have a great environment f or business and employers and have remained open for business throughout the pandemic, and that we champion job creators and will work hard to help new and existing employers maximize the opportunities in front of them.”

Mueller' s appointment is contingent upon approval from the state Senate.

Kouplen will return to his role as chairman and CEO of Regent Bank.