Stitt Appoints Keely District Judge for Tulsa, Pawnee Counties
eCapitol Staff
Gov. Kevin Stitt Wednesday announced the appointment Wednesday of Michelle Lee Bodine Keely as a district judge for Tulsa and Pawnee Counties.
“Mrs. Keely served our state and country with distinction in the Oklahoma Air National Guard
for over two decades and continues to serve Oklahomans as first assistant district attorney for
Osage and Pawnee Counties,” Stitt said in a press release. “I look forward to seeing her expertise
and servant heart on display when she takes the bench as a district judge.”
An Oklahoma native and lifelong resident, Keely is a former criminal litigator and former
military lawyer who served the Oklahoma Air National Guard (OKANG) for 22 years. She
retired from the military in 2019 and was honorably discharged as a lieutenant colonel. Keely
currently serves as the first assistant district attorney for Osage and Pawnee Counties, where she
manages the office while handling a full criminal docket. Other responsibilities include training
law enforcement officers and assisting ADAs with motion and court room practice.
“I understand the weightiness of the judicial task and am excited to continue serving my
community as a District Court Judge,” said Keely.
During her time in the OKANG, Keely received the U.S. Air Force Achievement Award, the
Meritorious Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Keely holds a
Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University and a Juris Doctor
from the University of Tulsa College of Law.
Keely lives in Cleveland with her husband David Matthew Keely, who is also a retired member
of the OKANG. Together they have two children.
The 14th Judicial District includes Tulsa and Pawnee counties.