OKLAHOMA CITY ( — After more than a decade of state service, Shelley Zumwalt announced today her retirement as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD) to pursue the next phase of her career in the private sector. Zumwalt has served in her role at OTRD since October of 2022. She began her career with the state in an entry-level position and went on to lead two state agencies during incredible times of crisis. Zumwalt will remain in her position to help with the transition and training for the person who will be the next leader of the agency until her final day in office on October 11th. Accomplishments during Zumwalt's time in state service include:
• Welcomed more than 18 million visitors to Oklahoma and contributing $11.8 billion dollars to the state economy.
• Led an overhaul of finance and procurement practices at the agency while overseeing the transformation of the state park reservation system and point of sale systems.
• Led the agency to receive a Heartland Emmy for the 'Imagine That' campaign.
• Received national recognition from the U.S. Travel Association for having the top Travel Guide in the nation in 2023.
• Oklahoma Today Magazine named as Magazine of the Year in 2024.
• Took over the leadership role at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission amid the pandemic in May of 2020 and reopened statewide offices immediately while holding claims events throughout July of 2020 serving over 10,000 claimants in person.
• Led the team at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to distribute over $5 billion in unemployment benefits to support Oklahomans in a critical time of need.
Through Zumwalt's leadership, each agency she's led have overcome extreme obstacles and have taken unprecedented strides.
'Spending over a quarter of my life as a state servant has shaped my life in ways I will forever be grateful for. It's been the honor of a lifetime to dedicate so much of my professional career to the people of Oklahoma,' said Shelley Zumwalt.
'I will always look back on my time in service with a deep appreciation and admiration for the dedicated employees I have had the privilege to work alongside over my time with the State of Oklahoma. I will continue to serve as I remain in my position until October 11 to ensure the next leader of OTRD has a seamless transition into their new role. To wake up each day and roll up your sleeves for something you believe in is a beautiful thing. It's been a great honor to serve the citizens of Oklahoma.'