Oklahoma Department of Commerce

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is a department of the government of Oklahoma under the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce. The Department is responsible for the supporting local communities, stimulating growth of the existing businesses, attracting new business, and promoting the development and availability of a skilled workforce. The Department is the lead agency for economic development in the state. The Department is led by and under the control of a Director appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma, with the approval of the Oklahoma Senate, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Department of Commerce logo
Agency overview
Formed1987
Preceding agency
  • Department of Economic and Community Affairs
Headquarters900 N Stiles Avenue
Oklahoma City
Employees92 (FY18)
Annual budget$85 million (FY18)
Minister responsible
  • Sean Kouplen, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development
Agency executive
  • Brent Kisling, Executive Director
Websitewww.okcommerce.gov

The current Cabinet Secretary is Sean Kouplen, who was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt in January 2019.

The Department of Commerce was established in 1987 during the term of Governor Henry Bellmon.

Mission

To increase the quantity and quality of jobs available in Oklahoma by:

  • Supporting communities;
  • Supporting the growth of existing businesses and entrepreneurs;
  • Attracting new businesses; and
  • Promoting the development and availability of a skilled workforce.

Leadership

The Department is led by the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the Department of Commerce. Under Governor of Oklahoma Kevin Stitt, Sean Kouplen is serving in the position.

Organization
  • Cabinet Secretary
  • Director
    • Deputy Director
      • Business Customer Services Division
        • Business Development Services - responsible for the retention and creation of jobs in existing businesses
        • International Trade Promotion - responsible for promoting export trade and the attraction of foreign direct investment
          • Mexico City, Mexico Trade Office
      • Community Development Division
        • Community Development Services - responsible for providing technical assistance to and financial investment in local communities
        • Main Street Center - responsible for providing training and technical assistance for preservation-based commercial district revitalization
      • National Recruitment Division - responsible for recruiting new business investment
      • Research and Analysis Division - responsible for providing information and analysis on State's business climate, tax incentives, and business advantages
    • Deputy Director and General Counsel
      • Executive Services Division - provides administrative support services to entire Department
      • Human Resources Division - provides all personnel services for Department
      • Financial Affairs Division - provides financial services to the Department
    • Deputy Secretary of Commerce for Workforce Solutions
      • Workforce Development Division

Staffing

The Commerce Department, with an annual budget of $100 million, is one of the smaller employers of the state. For fiscal year 2018, the Department was authorized 92 full-time employees in FY2014.[1]

Program Number of Employees
Administration
Executive Services
Human Resources
Financial Services
 43
Community Development
Community Development Services
Main Street Center
 32
Business Promotion
Business Development Services
International Trade Promotion
 20
Business Recruitment 8
Research and Analysis 10
Workforce Services 12
Total 125

Budget

The Commerce Department has an annual budget of several hundred million dollars, making it one of the smaller appropriated agencies of the State. For fiscal year 2011, the Department's budget consists of 20% in annual appropriations and 80% in federal grants. The Department's divisions have the following budgets:[2]

Division Budget (in millions)
Operational Support $8.4
Community Development $22.8
Global Business $4.3
Economic Development Contracts $265.6
Total $300.6

Supporting Agencies

References
  1. FY 2014 State Budget, Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services
  2. FY 2010 Department of Commerce Appropriations Bill. Oklahoma Legislature
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