Oklahoma's tax administration is set for a leadership shakeup with changes announced by Governor Kevin Stitt. As reported, Mark Wood, the state's Tax Commissioner, has been appointed the new Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services, effective immediately. Taking over at the Oklahoma Tax Commission (OTC) will be Dan LaFortune, a veteran of the Internal Revenue Service, according to Governor Kevin Stitt.
"Mark’s leadership and decades of tax expertise have greatly benefited Oklahoma," said Governor Stitt in a statement. Wood, who's been serving as Commissioner and Chairman of the OTC since November 2021, brings to OMES over 37 years of experience in public accounting and expertise in tax matters. Despite having served at Arthur Andersen LLP and Ernst & Young LLP, Wood is also known for his teaching roles at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University and his various community engagements.
The Governor praised Wood's tenure at the OTC, emphasizing his ability to handle complex issues skillfully, and expressed optimism for his new role at OMES. "He is a remarkable leader with a gift for navigating complexity with great skill and ease. His service at the Oklahoma Tax Commission has strengthened operations, and I know he will continue to deliver for Oklahomans in his new role at OMES," Governor Stitt stated, according to the announcement.
Meanwhile, as Wood transitions to OMES, LaFortune prepares to step into the tax commission vacancy. Bringing nearly 31 years of IRS experience, where he served in various managerial roles, LaFortune has developed a deep expertise in tax compliance and audit management. He expressed gratitude for the governor's confidence in his abilities, saying, "It is an honor to bring my decades of tax administration experience to the taxpayers of Oklahoma," as stated by Governor Stitt.
Both appointments part of the Governor Stitt's vision to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of state operations, these leadership changes are expected to leverage the respective experiences of Wood and LaFortune in advancing tax policy and reform in Oklahoma and in strengthening the service delivery of state government. The OTC is set to work closely with LaFortune for a smooth leadership transition, and Oklahoma looks forward to maintaining a strong, transparent, and accountable tax system.
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