Shelley Zumwalt, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD), announced her retirement plans yesterday, signaling the end of an era of significant transformations under her tenure. Appointed as Executive Director in October 2022, Zumwalt confirmed that she will cease her role on October 11, 2024, as reported by OKC Fox. Prior to this, she has built a career that spanned over a decade within the state's public sphere, starting in an entry-level position and ascending relentlessly to pioneer two state agencies amidst crisis.
Zumwalt’s leadership was marked by achievements, including the propagation of more than 18 million visits to Oklahoma and an economic contribution estimated at $11.8 billion. In a move to diligently prepare her successor, Zumwalt has pledged to actively participate in the process of transition and training. "Spending over a quarter of my life as a state servant has shaped my life in ways I will forever be grateful for. It's been the honor of a lifetime to dedicate so much of my professional career to the people of Oklahoma," Zumwalt stated, as noted by OKC Fox. Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, as showcased by the 2023 accolade from the U.S. Travel Association for the country’s top Travel Guide.
Zumwalt's retirement comes following the January decision by Governor Kevin Stitt to appoint her the role of Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, a position from which she was later withdrawn. Gov. Stitt had previously praised Zumwalt as a "tourism powerhouse and a compelling ambassador for Oklahoma," according to a news release by KOCO. Following a letter she sent in April to state officials, Zumwalt sought to "eliminate any distractions" from her service, leading her to concentrate on her role as executive director over her then-nomination.
Not only did Zumwalt's contributions to tourism stand out, but also her leadership at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) during the pandemic became noteworthy. She led the distribution of over $5 billion in unemployment benefits and was instrumental in organizing events that served thousands of claimants. Under her stewardship, the agency also garnered a Heartland Emmy for its "Imagine That" campaign and recognition for Oklahoma Today magazine, which won Magazine of the Year in 2024, as per News On 6. As of this point, the individual set to assume the role of her successor has yet to be publicly named.
