WSP03323 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

c-:> r' ~ c::o ...,J J:;o . .. '-, OKLAHOMA WATER RESOURCES BOARD (OWRB) 5-Minute Activity Report for the 127th Meeting of AWRBIAC Barnett ResiWZS as OWRB Executive Director James R. Barnett, Executive Director of the OWRB for the past 13 years, resigned to accept a position with the Oklahoma City law firm of Kerr, Irvine and Rhodes. During Barnett's tenure with the agency, the water board more than tripled in size. He oversaw the development of the State's innovative Financial Assistance Program, completion of the OklallomaComprelzensive Water Plan and development of the Dam Safety and Floodplain Management Programs. He was active in a number of water organizations and served on the Board of Directors of the Interstate Conference on Water Policy for a number of years. Restructure Q,f Natwal Resources Cabinet The inauguration of Governor David Walters ushered in a new era for Oklahoma State Government. Shortly after he took office, he announced that he would divide the Natural Resources Cabinet into four cabinet positions - Environment, Energy, Tourism and Recreation and Agriculture. Former Tulsa Water and Sewer Commissioner Patty Eaton was named as the State's first Secretary of Environment and Executive Director of the OWRB, succeeding Barnett. Former Attorney General and Corporation Commissioner Charles Nesbitt serves as Secretary of Energy, former state representative Gary Sherrer as Secretary of Agriculture and the Tourism and Recreation Secretary position is held by Jim Thomas, who headed the State Office of Personnel Management under the two previous governors. OWRB Moves to New OuariP.rs The OWRB moved to new quarters near downtown Oklahoma City the first week ii1 January. Additional space in the new OWRB building enabled the agency to consolidate all of their Oklahoma City-based employees under one roof for the first time in two years. The location and mailing address is 600 North Harvey Avenue, P. O. Box 150, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73101.0150.