Stitt names Russell chair of Workers’ Compensation Commission
Shawn Ashley, eCapitol
Gov. Kevin Stitt has named Jordan Russell chair of the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Stitt’s appointment of Russell to the post comes after Commissioner Mark Liotta announced Tuesday he was resigning as chair of the commission. Liotta’s term on the commission will expire in August. Former Rep. Scott Biggs was appointed by Stitt to succeed him.
“With the expiration of my term as Commissioner, there will be need for you to appoint a new Chairman in accordance with O.S. 85A. In order to facilitate a smooth transition, I hereby request you appoint a new Chairman early, effective 1 June, 2021,” Liotta said in a letter Tuesday to Stitt.
Stitt appointed Russell chair of the commission later that day.
The commission is made up of three members appointed by the governor to staggered, six-year terms. Russell was appointed to the commission originally by then Gov. Mary Fallin in October 2016 and was reappointed by Stitt to a term expiring August 25, 2025.
Russell will be the longest-serving of the three commissioners after Liotta’s departure.
Russell is an attorney. He joined the commission after serving three legislative sessions as policy director and counsel to then House Speaker Jeff Hickman. Prior to his time at the State Capitol, Jordan was in private practice. He also previously worked as a legislative assistant to Oklahoma’s US Cong. Frank Lucas in his Washington, D.C. office where he worked on issues involving healthcare, labor, social security and disability and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), which sets minimum standards for most voluntarily established private industry retirement and health plans.