The State Chamber of Oklahoma Research Foundation announced today that Dr. Jennifer Lepard will assume the role of Executive Director effective January 1, 2017. Dr. Lepard will also continue in her role as Vice President of Government Affairs.

“The Foundation is the foremost business-led, solutions development and research organization in the state,” said Dr. Lepard. “It is an honor to assume this new leadership role.”

“As we look toward Oklahoma’s future, the Foundation is well positioned to help develop the new and innovative policies our state needs to move Oklahoma forward,” said State Chamber President and CEO, Fred Morgan. “In our search for a new Executive Director, we knew Jennifer had both the policy and research expertise to lead the organization in the right direction.”

Lepard joined the State Chamber in 2014 as Vice President of Government Affairs lobbying in the areas of health care, workforce development, aerospace and technology. Dr. Lepard began her career in policy working for the Oklahoma State Senate as a Legislative Analyst. She furthered her policy experience working at a state agency and serving clients in private consulting before joining the State Chamber. Dr. Lepard has a Master’s in Public Administration and a Doctorate in Public Health, specializing in health policy and serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Oklahoma.