Oklahoma – Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt announced that Energy and Environment Secretary Jeff Starling will step down from his position on Oct. 3, with Chris Schinnerer set to replace him for the remainder of Stitt’s term.
Starling has served as Oklahoma’s secretary of energy and environment since 2024. Stitt praised Starling’s work and said he expects him to continue advocating for Oklahoma and American energy.
“Jeff has been a valuable member of my team, and I know he’ll continue fighting for Oklahoman and American energy,” Stitt said. “He has a deep knowledge of the permitting process, the energy landscape, and the new technologies on the horizon. He’ll continue to lead our state and our nation through the next generation of energy innovation.”
Starling also thanked Stitt for his work supporting Oklahoma’s energy industry and said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve as secretary over the past several years.
“I’m so grateful for Governor Stitt and his work to champion Oklahoma’s energy industry,” Starling said. “His policies have set this industry up to continue to power our state and our nation, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to serve in this role over the past few years. I am excited to continue to advocate for our energy industry.”
Schinnerer currently serves as deputy secretary of energy and environment and will take over as secretary following Starling’s departure.
Stitt said Schinnerer brings extensive experience in Oklahoma’s energy sector and has been involved in efforts to expand the state’s energy development.
“Chris is well-known in Oklahoma’s energy circles,” Stitt said. “He has long championed our oil and gas industry, and has helped lead the charge to explore new areas of energy development, including the state’s effort to secure a U.S. Department of Energy grant for one of three Nuclear Energy Lifecycle Campuses.”
Stitt also said he appreciated Schinnerer’s counsel on energy issues and thanked him for his service to Oklahoma.
Schinnerer has worked on energy issues in both the public and private sectors. His background includes service in the George W. Bush administration, followed by positions with Devon Energy and Lagoon Midstream after returning to Oklahoma.
Schinnerer said he is honored to continue serving the state and plans to support the administration as Oklahoma pursues new energy opportunities.
“It is an honor to continue to serve my state in this capacity,” Schinnerer said. “Oklahoma has led the world in energy development for over a century, and we are on the cusp of the next generation of energy innovation.”
“I’m proud to continue to support Governor Stitt and his administration through these opportunities and set Oklahoma up to continue to lead,” Schinnerer added.
The leadership change comes as Oklahoma continues to promote oil and gas development while also pursuing emerging energy technologies, including nuclear energy. Schinnerer is expected to serve as secretary for the remainder of Stitt’s term.
