Senate approves Paulk’s nomination to Oklahoma Tax Commission

OKLAHOMA CITY – One of the Oklahoma Senate’s constitutional responsibilities is confirming governor appointments to statewide cabinet positions, along with numerous boards and commissions. On Wednesday, the full Senate approved Governor Stitt’s appointment of Shelly Paulk of Newalla to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. Sen. Shane Jett, R-Shawnee, carried the nomination before the Senate Finance Committee and on the Senate floor.

“I’m proud to carry Shelly’s nomination to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. I can think of no better professional to fill this important position in our state,” Jett said. “She has vast expertise in Oklahoma revenue collections, statutory apportionments and the state budgeting process overall. Oklahoma is in good hands and I thank the Senate for approving her nomination.”

Paulk will succeed Steve Burrage to serve a six-year term ending Jan. 11, 2027. The commissioners are responsible for the supervision of the administration and enforcement of state tax laws and the collection of a majority of all state-levied taxes and fees.

“I am deeply honored that the governor has chosen me to serve the people of Oklahoma in this new role,” Paulk said. “During the 14 years I've spent at OMES, working with revenue reporting and following tax policy has been more than just a job. It's exciting to be able to continue that work from a different perspective, have an opportunity to be an advocate for taxpayers, and to contribute to the great work of the Oklahoma Tax Commission.”  

Paulk has served as State Budget Director since 2019, where she oversees the Budget Division of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) to assist and advise the governor, the State Chief Operating Officer and the State Chief Financial Officer on management of state agency budgets. Prior to becoming director, Paulk served as Deputy Budget Director for Revenue for eight years beginning in 2011. She joined OMES in 2006 as a Revenue and Budget Analyst.

Paulk obtained her bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Ethics from Mid-American Christian University in 1998. She taught at Spencer Road Christian School for nearly a decade before becoming the administrator for the school, a position she held for nearly 20 years. Paulk also holds an M.B.A. in Leadership and Organizational Development from Oklahoma Christian University and also completed the Governor’s Executive Development Program for State Officials. 

For more information, contact:  Sen. Jett: (405) 521-5622 or Shane.Jett@oksenate.gov