OSBI Leadership Change: Special Commission appoints interim director

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Commission, the agency’s governing board, has appointed an interim director during a special meeting on Jan. 30.

During Thursday's meeting, the commission appointed Deputy Director Steven Carter to act as interim director.

Carter has been serving as acting director since Aungela Spurlock announced her retirement on Jan. 16.

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Spurlock resigned two weeks ahead of the meeting, which was set to address performance concerns amid ongoing rumors of employee unrest.

Spurlock has also faced criticism over her handling of complaints filed against the agency. Both a former employee and families of cold case victims accused her of abusing her power by intercepting complaints intended for the OSBI Commission. 

Tensions flared again in September when Spurlock proposed legislative changes to reduce gubernatorial appointments to the OSBI Commission from all seven positions to just one.

Currently, the governor appoints all commissioners, who are then confirmed by the Senate. The board is required to include a district attorney, a chief of police, a sheriff, and four lay members.

Spurlock’s recommendation to restructure the board caught commissioners off guard, with the matter set for discussion in executive session during a Jan. 30 special meeting. Thursday marks Spurlock’s final day with the bureau.

Her retirement officially takes effect on March 1, according to an email she sent to OSBI employees earlier this month. She did not disclose her plans after retirement.

RELATED: What's Next for OSBI as Director Spurlock steps down