By Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice
OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed a new head of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation.
Amy Blackburn, who served as Oklahoma Department of Commerce marketing and communications division director, will become the latest executive director of the agency.
Sterling Zearley, the current executive director, will remain with the agency in an advisory role to support the leadership transition.
Stitt’s office did not immediately respond to a request seeking Blackburn’s salary nor answer questions about why she was appointed to replace Zearley, who has been serving in the role since October 2024.
Stitt said Blackburn has significant experience promoting the state.
“She has spent her career partnering with businesses and communities and managing complex projects,” Stitt said in a press release. “It makes her an exceptional person to lead Tourism as we approach the Route 66 Centennial, the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the LA28 Olympics, and the potential to host teams for the FIFA World Cup.”
Blackburn said she was grateful for the chance to serve.
“I look forward to growing our state’s economy by highlighting all that our beautiful parks, communities, and attractions have to offer visitors from here at home and across the country,” she said in a press release.
