OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter today commended the members of the Oklahoma State Board of Health for selecting Tom Bates as the interim commissioner for the Department of Health.
“Tom is an outstanding leader whose hard work and dedication motivates those around him. He has the knowledge and background to successfully address and resolve the current situation at the Oklahoma Department of Health.
“Having worked with Tom, I know him to be a skilled, trusted attorney, whose steady voice of reason has led to many milestones and achievements while at the Attorney General’s Office, as well as serving as the governor’s special adviser on child welfare. Most importantly, Tom takes a team-oriented approach to management, where he listens and seeks outside opinions when making tough decisions.
“I support and endorse the health board’s action in selecting Tom. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”
Bates has served as the governor’s special adviser on child welfare and Pinnacle Plan implementation since October 2015. Prior to this position, he served in the Attorney General’s Office for 15 years from 1999 – 2014 in a variety of positions, most recently as first assistant attorney general.