Photo Courtesy Dave Lopez

Dave Lopez, OCCC Board of Regents member, has recently been appointed Secretary of Commerce by Governor Mary Fallin.

“He brings a great deal of expertise and enthusiasm to the job and I’m happy to have him serve in my cabinet,” Fallin said in an e-mail.

“Dave is going to join an experienced and diverse cabinet dedicated to moving the state of Oklahoma forward.”

Lopez said he is honored to have been chosen for the position.

“ … (I) look forward to working with her to grow our economy and bring more jobs and opportunities to our state,” he said.

Lopez said he believes his experience working with SBC Communications and American Fidelity Foundation, along with his business background helped contribute to Fallin choosing him for the position.

He served as president at both locations

“I have known Governor Mary Fallin for 15 years,” he said. “I first met her when I first came to Oklahoma in 1995.”

While employed at the American Fidelity Foundation, Lopez said, he spent most of his time managing the development of the companies’ priorities and giving away money.

He said most of the money went to education.

President Paul Sechrist said Lopez deserves the appointment.

“I can think of no other person more qualified for this important position as Oklahoma seeks to increase business and employment opportunities in the state,” Sechrist said.

“His service as Secretary of Commerce is definitely good for Oklahoma.”

Sechrist said he regrets that Lopez will have to resign from his regent position, but said he knows Lopez will always remain a loyal friend to OCCC.

Lopez agrees.

“I really enjoyed my experiences as a Regent at OCCC,” he said.

“I am hopeful in my new position that I will be able to keep some of the students that are attending OCCC in Oklahoma and employed.

For more information, visit www.okcommerce.gov or www.ok.gov/governor.