Gov. Kevin Stitt named on Thursday a new chief of staff and added a chief policy advisor.
Bond Payne, the co-founder and chairman of Heritage Trust Company and the vice chairman of Argent Financial Group, replaces Michael Junk as chief of staff. Junk announced late last month he was stepping down so he could return to working in Tulsa and spend more time with his family.
"Bond Payne will play a key role in helping us build bridges both inside the Capitol and out in the community," Stitt said in a statement. "He will be a trusted sounding board for me as we work together to carry out my vision of making Oklahoma a Top Ten state."
Former state Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman is joining Stitt’s staff as chief policy advisor. Under his tenure, lawsuit reforms capping damages for pain and suffering became law. Bingman also pushed for cuts to Oklahoma’s income tax rate.
"I am honored to be asked to join Governor Stitt’s team and I am ready to dive in and get to work. Our colleagues in the legislature share our desire to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state and together we can accomplish great things," Bingman said in a statement.
Bond and Bingman will start working with Stitt's administration by Sept. 1.