Thursday, September 8, 2011

Fallin Names Patrice Douglas To Commission


As expected, Governor Fallin today announced she has selected Patrice Douglas of Edmond to replace Commissioner Jeff Cloud on the Corporation Commission. Cloud announced his resignation earlier this month; he'll join Continental Resources.

The Douglas appointment was first reported by the Democrats of Oklahoma Community Forum, www.demookie.com, earlier this week.

“The Oklahoma Corporation Commission impacts our economy on many levels through its oversight and regulation of a variety of industries,” Fallin said. “As a small business owner, banker, accomplished attorney and proven leader at the state and local level, Patrice will be an excellent addition as Oklahoma’s newest commissioner. She has proven herself to be a committed public servant and a student of the policy issues facing Oklahoma and its citizens. Her dedication, intelligence and experience will make her a strong voice for consumers, ratepayers and another fair and qualified commissioner for the relevant industries to work with.”

Douglas currently serves as executive vice president of First Fidelity Bank in Edmond, where she leads the commercial lending team at four branches in Edmond and north Oklahoma City. She also serves as mayor of Edmond, a post she has held since April 2009.

Douglas will resign her position as mayor to serve on the Corporation Commission.

She practiced law for 13 years including serving as a staff attorney for Justice Hardy Summers of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. She earned her law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law.

After a successful career in law, Douglas joined her family’s business, ACP Sheet Metal, serving as general counsel and vice president. While there, she oversaw the successful creation and growth of sister company Air Spiral Manufacturing.

She was appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness, where she served two terms as chairman of the board, and to the Oklahoma Commission on Teacher Preparation.

She also was appointed to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Board of Commissioners by Governor Frank Keating.

“I am honored Governor Fallin has selected me for this important role,” Douglas said. “I look forward to working with the other members of the Corporation Commission to provide leadership and oversight that will benefit Oklahoma ratepayers and industry.”

Before officially assuming her role as a commissioner, Douglas will spend time meeting with other commissioners and staff at the Corporation Commission. Cloud will continue to serve as Corporation Commissioner in the interim. A transition date has not been set.

Fallin thanked Cloud for his years of service at the Commission. “I want to thank Commissioner Cloud for a job well done during his more than eight years at the Commission. He will be missed and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Fallin said.

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