In one of the biggest leadership turnarounds in recent memory,Oklahomahasseen four top officials announce resignations in recent weeks, sending ripples through state government as the administration braces for changes ahead of the legislative session and budget discussions.
Josh Cockroft, Secretary of State and Chief Policy Advisor, is stepping down effective Oct. 1, 2025. Rick Rose, Director of the Office of ManagementandEnterprise Services (OMES) and State Chief Operating Officer, will leave his post on Sept. 26, 2025.
Nitasha Rose, Deputy Secretary of State, is also stepping down; her resignation date is staggered. Evan Brown, Executive Director of EDGE (Economic Development, Growth, & Expansion), is resigning, with his last working day set for Oct. 3, 2025.
While officials have publicly framed many resignations as part of transitions or personal decisions, one high-profile departure includes controversy. Rick Rose’s resignation followed a letter from Attorney General GentnerDrummondalleging Rose had refused to approve vehicle purchases for AG’s office agents.
Drummond claimed this refusal might have been at Governor Stitt’s direction. Rick Rose has denied the allegation, stating his decision tostepdownwasmadebefore the letter was released and was driven in part by family considerations.
These roles, especially OMES and Secretary of State, manage broad swaths of government operations, including budget, personnel, technology, record-keeping and regulatory functions. Multiple departures within a short span may slow down or complicate ongoing projects.
The friction between the AG’s office and OMES hints at tensions in Oklahoma’s executive branch. Questions about authority, oversight and appropriate use of power are likely to be more visible as incoming and outgoing officials explain their actions. It remains unclear who will serve in interim capacities or how permanent replacements will be selected. Leadership gaps, even temporary ones, could affect policy implementation and the state’s readiness for upcoming legislative and fiscal cycles.
Governor Kevin Stitt expressed appreciation for Rick Rose’s work, noting efforts to modernize state government and reduce its size. In remarks, Rick Rose said he’s proud of the improvements made at OMES.
Cockroft also thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve, calling it an “honor.” State officials will have to identify interim leaders while vetting permanent successors.
The timing of transitions means some of these changes will overlap with state budget planning and legislative preparation, moments when continuity and clarity are especially important. Public attention is likely to remain high, especially given the AG’s involvement and the policy-areas affected. Observers will be watching how well the Stitt administration handles the changeover, whether friction between agencies is resolved and whether the departures lead to shifts in policy direction.