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Senate committee advances Sterling Zierling nomination to lead Oklahoma tourism agency, 8-0
Summary
The Oklahoma Senate Committee on Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism voted 8-0 to advance the nomination of Sterling Zierling to serve as executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism; senators highlighted his 25+ years in parks and tourism management.
The Oklahoma Senate Committee on Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism on an 8-0 vote advanced the nomination of Sterling Zierling to serve as executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism, making him eligible for consideration by the full Senate.
Senator Stanley presented the nomination and summarized Zierling’s record in state tourism and parks management, saying he brings “over 25 plus years of dedicated service in the tourism and the recreation industry.” Stanley noted that Zierling has overseen Oklahoma State Parks, Lodges and Golf operations that include 38 parks, six lodges and seven golf courses.
The nomination hearing included brief remarks from Zierling, who thanked Senator Stanley and acknowledged his family’s support. Zierling said the agency has “a lot of great ideas” and that staff would work to “build our stakeholder coalition.” He also said the agency would aim to improve its ranking in the tourism industry: “We’re gonna be number 1 by the time we get finished,” Zierling said.
Senator Stanley closed debate by urging committee members to support the nomination, calling Zierling “a man of character” who would lead the department “with such integrity.” The committee then called the roll; the clerk recorded an 8-0 vote in favor. The senators identified during roll call included Senator Fricks (recorded as “Yes”) and Senators Gillespie, Goodwin, Green, Guthrie, Kurt, Vice Chair Coleman and Chairwoman Thompson (each recorded during the roll as responding in the affirmative). Committee text indicates the motion to give the nomination a favorable report was moved by Senator Grant and seconded by Senator Crane.
Committee chair remarks concluded with the nominee declared eligible for floor consideration, and members were told the committee will return to policy work next week.
Why it matters: the executive director oversees statewide tourism promotion and management of state parks and related facilities; bipartisan committee support means the nomination will move to the full Senate for further consideration.
