Governor Stitt has named the former director of the state workers union to serve as interim director of the State Tourism and Recreation Department. Sterling Zearley was director of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association from 2007 to 2023, but before that he worked for the State Tourism Department for 23 years. He rejoined the Department in June of last year when he was hired as Parks Director. He says he looks forward to the opportunity to lead the Tourism Department and continue to serve his state in an agency that he loves. He will replace Shelly Zumwalt who is stepping down effective October 11th.