(Former state Rep. Lisa Billy, shown speaking at the state Capitol in 2015, has been named secretary of Native American Affairs. [AP File Photo])
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday named Lisa J. Billy, a Chickasaw Nation legislator and former state House representative, as secretary of Native American Affairs.
Senate confirmation is required for Billy's appointment to the cabinet position.
Billy has served in the Chickasaw Nation Legislature since 2016 and previously served from 1996 to 2002.
Stitt said Billy has been a "consistent and faithful representative for the people of Oklahoma."
“She will bring her hard-work ethic and wealth of experience to the table in order to serve as an advisor to my administration and help foster strong partnerships between our tribal governments and the State of Oklahoma," Stitt said in a news release.
Billy served in the Oklahoma House from 2004 to 2016. She held various leadership roles during that time, including floor leader from 2014 to 2016, deputy whip from 2004 to 2008 and vice chair of the Republican Caucus from 2006 to 2008.
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