Steven Buck Steps Down as OJA Executive Director,

 Steven Buck Steps Down as OJA Executive Director

OKLAHOMA CITY — Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) Executive Director Steven Buck today announced he is resigning to take a job leading an association representing long-term care facilities. He is also leaving his position on Governor Kevin Stitt’s Cabinet, where he served as secretary of human services and early childhood initiatives. His resignations take effect March 6.

Buck was named OJA’s executive director in February 2016 by the agency’s governing board. Stitt appointed Buck last year as OJA’s executive director after legislation was approved giving the governor the power to appoint the position. The governor also last year appointed Buck to his Cabinet; Buck previously served former Gov. Mary Fallin as secretary of health and human services.

Buck is leaving state government service to be president and executive director of Care Providers Oklahoma. It represents the interests of more than 18,000 residents and 19,000 professionals who work in Oklahoma’s long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living homes and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The governor said he appreciated Buck’s leadership as OJA executive director, and his advice as a member of his Cabinet.

“Secretary Buck has been a dedicated public servant for the State of Oklahoma for 13 years,” said Stitt. “His wisdom and input as my secretary of human services and early childhood initiatives has been invaluable as we work to move the needle in the overall well-being of Oklahomans. Through Secretary Buck’s strong leadership and vision, he has also led the OJA through transformational changes that focus on improving services and outcomes for our at-risk youth, both in and out of the juvenile system. Secretary Buck’s heart for our young Oklahomans is evident, as he worked each day to provide juveniles in the system with the care and attention needed to return to their homes, schools and society. I appreciate his commitment to our great state, and I look forward to seeing his continued impact as he begins this new chapter.”

As OJA’s executive director, Buck is responsible for the overall management of the agency's operated and contracted programs and services. He works directly with the agency's governing board to facilitate agency priorities, planning and operational performance.

As secretary of human services and early childhood initiatives, Buck is responsible for 34 agencies, boards and commissions, including the Department of Human Services and OJA.

Before joining OJA, Buck served nine years as deputy commissioner for communications and prevention at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Prior to that, he worked 10 years for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness in multiple roles, including national director of state policy and executive director of NAMI Oklahoma.

Buck and his wife, Lisa, have four daughters and two sons. A native Oklahoman, he is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and he earned a master of arts in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma.