Gov. Mary Fallin says former Oklahoma Commerce Secretary Dave Lopez is returning to her cabinet as secretary of state.
Fallin said Monday that she's appointed Lopez to the position left vacant last month when the governor appointed former Secretary of State Mike Hunter as attorney general. Lopez's appointment must be confirmed by the state Senate, but he's scheduled to begin his new duties on March 27.
As secretary of state, Lopez will serve as a senior adviser to the governor on policy, economic and legislative issues. He served as the governor's secretary of commerce from 2011 until 2013.
Lopez is a longtime civic and community leader and currently serves as an independent consultant. From 2013 to 2014, Lopez served as interim superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools.