Gov. Stitt announces new Secretary of State, additional leadership positions

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt names a new Secretary of State days after the current Secretary, Josh Cockroft, announced his resignation.

On Thursday, Stitt announced Donelle Harder will take over for Cockroft, starting on Oct. 1.

SEE ALSO: Oklahoma Secretary of State, other top officials announce resignation

Harder has held several positions under Stitt, including as Deputy Secretary of State and the state's first Secretary of Digital Transformation and Administration.

Stitt has also named David Ostrowe as Chief Operating Officer and Dustin Hillary as Senior Advisor.

Ostrowe and Hillary's appointments are effective immediately, Stitt's office says.

Stitt says the goal is to strengthen leadership in his final year and a half in office.

"These three outstanding Oklahomans bring diverse strengths: Dustin’s trusted leadership and negotiation prowess, David’s operational acumen, and Donelle’s strategic vision,” Stitt said. “Together, they elevate the capacity of my administration as we push forward on our agenda, and I am confident we can continue to deliver lasting results for the people of Oklahoma.”