Published: October 20, 2009 10:59 pm      

Miller announces chairmen of steering committee

State Rep. Ken Miller announced that Clay Bennett and Bob Sullivan will serve as co-chairmen of the steering committee he formed in August to help him prepare for a campaign for state treasurer.

“Ken Miller has the preparation and experience to help lead Oklahoma during these tough economic times,” said Sullivan, principal with Sullivan and Company, LLC and a former candidate for governor. “With his sound management of the state budget, Ken has proven himself worthy of the public’s trust. I’m confident that he will be an excellent state treasurer.”

Bennett, chairman of Dorchester Capital and the Oklahoma City Thunder, said, “Oklahoma’s future depends on matching the skill sets of the right leaders to the right jobs at the right times. I believe that Ken Miller has the necessary financial background to manage and safeguard the state’s assets, plus the enthusiasm and vision to help move Oklahoma forward.”

“I am honored to have the support of Clay Bennett and Bob Sullivan, two outstanding Oklahomans who have done much to advance our great state,” Miller said. “I cannot express how grateful I am to have their leadership and counsel as our planning progresses.”

Other members of Miller’s steering committee are Howard Barnett, principal, TSF Capital; Patrice Douglas, executive vice president, First Fidelity Bank; Mark Funke, president, Bank of Oklahoma-OKC; Harold Hamm, chairman and CEO, Continental Resources; Don Millican, CFO, Kaiser-Francis; Larry Nichols, chairman and CEO, Devon Energy; Tom Price, senior vice president, Chesapeake Corporation; David Rainbolt, president, BancFirst; and Lew Ward, chairman, Ward Petroleum.

As the House Appropriations and Budget Committee Chairman, Miller is responsible for overseeing budget and tax policy. Miller has been a member of the Legislature since 2004 and previously served as an appointee of Gov. Frank Keating’s administration. He has taught economics at Oklahoma Christian University since 1998. He also has served as a financial operations manager in the private sector.

Miller, R-Edmond, has a bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, a master’s degree in business administration and a doctorate in political economics.