Harpe confirmed as OMES Director

OKLAHOMA CITY – Steven Harpe has received official confirmation by the full Senate to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES).  The Tulsan was appointed by Gov. Stitt in January and his executive nomination was carried in the Senate by Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow. 

“Mr. Harpe is a proven leader and innovative businessman.  In his short time at OMES, he has completely revolutionized the agency and those they serve,” Haste said.  “OMES has played a critical role in helping state agencies provide more online services and better meet the needs of Oklahomans, especially in recent months as they have dealt with this health crisis. Under his leadership, we’re seeing more teamwork and collaboration across agencies, which will make them more efficient and, ultimately, better serve the people of Oklahoma.”

Harpe has 30 years of technology and business experience, and is highly trained in the design, implementation and management of enterprise scale applications and computer systems for global customers. He has managed several large P&L centers for some of the world’s largest IT, Background, and Financial Services companies.  Prior to his appointment, Harpe served as the Deputy Director of Information Services for OMES. He has also held leadership positions for large companies such as Gateway Mortgage Group, CGI and Capital One.

Since joining OMES in the Fall of 2019, Harpe has been instrumental in helping OMES reach its full and intended purpose, which is to serve Oklahoma state agencies, so they can then better serve the people of Oklahoma.

“To have my nomination confirmed unanimously by the Senate is a great honor and privilege.  The job I have ahead of me will be challenging, but I know the team I have in place at OMES shares a unified vision for our agency. I look forward to serving this great state and her citizens and thank Senator Haste for carrying my nomination."

Processing historic unemployment claims has been one of the state’s greatest challenges during the health crisis. OMES, under Harpe’s direction, created a new website for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) in just three days to make filing easier for citizens.  To further help OESC with unemployment claims, OMES also created FAQ videos and a claims status checker, set up informational social media accounts, organized nearly 500 additional staffers for online and call center support, upgraded the agency’s computer software, set up townhall meetings, and have provided endless training for OESC staff and volunteers.

OMES has also upgraded the software of more than 8,000 DHS Child Welfare workers to be able to remotely help Oklahomans in need.  The agency has set up a system to track COVID-19 daily and cumulative state spending while also helping the state process large PPE orders and support supply chain management. 

“The work OMES has done and the support they have provided to state agencies has been phenomenal.  There is a lot of excitement and optimism in the legislature and state government about the future of this agency and what Director Harpe will be able to accomplish,” Haste said.  “It was my absolute honor and privilege to carry his nomination.  I know he was the perfect pick for this critical position.” 

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For more information, contact: Sen. Haste: (405) 521-5602 or John.Haste@oksenate.gov

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