OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – Gov. Kevin Stitt made two key state leadership appointments this week.
Stitt appointed Tom Newell as his new chief of staff and Jeff Starling as Oklahoma’s new secretary of energy and environment.
Starling has worked in the energy industry for more than 20 years, with experience that spans legal, regulatory and operational leadership.
“Jeff’s extensive experience in both the private and public sectors provides unique insights that make him well qualified to guide our state’s energy strategy,” Stitt said. “He knows what the industry needs to ensure that Oklahoma remains a national leader in energy innovation and economic growth.”
Starling’s last job was serving as chief legal and administrative officer and corporate secretary at Lagoon Water Midstream. Prior to that, he was assistant general counsel at Devon Energy Corp., managing litigation efforts and supported operational business units. He was also a partner at McGuireWoods LLP in Richmond, Va., and served as a legislative aide to former U.S. Sen. John W. Warner, R-Va.
“I’m thrilled to serve Oklahoma in this new capacity,” Starling said. “It’s an exciting moment in Oklahoma, and our energy industry is a major driver of our state’s success and one we should build upon as we continue to move forward. I’m honored the Governor trusts me with this responsibility and I look forward to working to make it even easier to do business in Oklahoma.”
He has an extensive history of civic engagement, including chairing the Legal and Labor Reform Committee of the State Chamber of Oklahoma and currently serving on the state’s Task Force for the Study of Business Courts. He’s also co-chair of the 2025 Allied Arts campaign and has held leadership roles at Science Museum Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and its Foundation, and the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Newell, a pastor and former state legislator, was most recently vice president for the Center for Culture and Family at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA). He served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016, and was the first Republican to be elected to House District 28, according to officials in Stitt’s office.
“Tom is a proven leader with a true understanding of what makes Oklahoma strong,” Stitt said. “Tom’s passion for serving others, commitment to our values, and his extensive policy expertise make him the perfect person to help guide my administration into this next chapter. He has served Oklahomans as a pastor, a legislator, and a champion for families— and I’m excited to welcome him as my chief of staff.”
Newell pastored churches in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. He served as the government affairs director for the Foundation for Government Accountability, the CEO of SALLT (Salt and Light Leadership Training) and the vice president of government affairs for Yes. Every. Kid. following his six years in the House.
“I am honored to join Governor Stitt’s team as chief of staff,” Newell said. “The Governor has demonstrated unwavering leadership in making Oklahoma a top ten state for families, freedom, and opportunity. I look forward to working alongside him and our entire staff to deliver on his vision for Oklahoma.”
The new chief of staff succeeds Grayson Walker, who officials said is pursuing work in the private sector.
