Kevin Stitt sworn in as Oklahoma’s 28th governor

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) Kevin Stitt was sworn in as Oklahoma’s 28th governor at the State Capitol Monday.

“Two years ago, the idea of running for governor was still just a small mustard seed,” Governor Stitt said. “I traveled the country visiting my offices in other states, seeing their economies take off and thrive. They were recovering from our nation’s historic recession. I would then come home to the state that I love to find us struggling, and stuck at the bottom in every category that matters.

“It was this environment that caused me to reach deep and ask what more can I do to make a difference, to address a pattern seen throughout our state’s history where we have lived for each boom and starved in each bust.

“Like you, I was frustrated. Like you, I am motivated. I see untapped potential. I see opportunity. I see jobs. I see progress. I see a Top Ten Oklahoma.

“In this administration, we are committed to working together to be a Top Ten state. It starts by delivering accountability with state agencies and creating a government that is results oriented and customer centered while being transparent and efficient with your hard-earned tax dollars. We will focus on moving the needle in education, on criminal justice reform, and with healthcare. As we make decisions and cast strategy, we will bring everything we do back to growth. Because, we are at our best when people are gainfully employed and have freedom to innovate and access to opportunity.

“In closing, here is my commitment to you: You the people come first. I commit to you to be a good listener, a continuous learner, a committed communicator, and a bold leader for the decisions that make a difference for today’s children and the next generation.

“I’m humbled by the trust you placed in me to serve as your governor. Please join us and let’s get this done together, because Oklahoma’s turnaround starts right here, right now.”

Governor Stitt’s Inaugural Prayer Service will be held Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Moore.

About Governor Stitt 

J. Kevin Stitt is the 28th governor of Oklahoma. Stitt is leading the state with a vision to become Top Ten in critical categories, from government efficiency to job growth, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Governor Stitt is an Oklahoman entrepreneur and businessman who founded a mortgage company, Gateway, in 2000 with $1,000 and a computer. By delivering strong leadership and vision, grew Gateway into a nationwide mortgage company that today employs 1,200 people, has 164 field offices in 41 states, and holds a loan servicing portfolio of more than $16 billion.

Governor Stitt is a fourth-generation Oklahoman, raised in Norman where his dad was a pastor of a Bible church and spent many summers as a youth in Skiatook where his grandfather owned a dairy farm. Stitt graduated from Norman High School and worked his way through Oklahoma State University by selling books with the Southwestern Company. Stitt is a man driven by faith and family. He has been married to his wife, Sarah, for nearly 20 years. Together, they have six children and call Tulsa home.