Gov. Stitt appoints John Nash as Sec'y of Military and Veterans Affairs

GOVERNOR STITT APPOINTS JOHN NASH AS SECRETARY OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 28, 2022) – Governor Kevin Stitt announced today he has appointed John Nash as Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Brig. Gen. Ben T. Robinson.

“John Nash’s background as a loyal member of the armed forces combined with his leadership and business skills will ensure we are serving our veterans with honor and supporting the brave Oklahomans who have risked their lives to defend our freedom,” said Gov. Stitt.

Nash enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve at age 17 before graduating from McLoud High School. He was later commissioned as an officer through the University of Oklahoma’s Army ROTC program, where he also was a member of the men’s basketball team and the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Nash graduated from a variety of military schools including Airborne School and Ranger School and served in multiple leadership and command roles at various levels in the Army. He served for over a decade in a variety of special operations, national security and diplomatic roles including multiple tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq and other theaters.

“I am humbled by Governor Stitt’s appointment to serve Oklahoma as the Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs,” said Nash. “As a member of our country’s armed forces, it is an honor to be able to support our veterans and members of the military in this new role.”

Former OU basketball coach Kelvin Sampson has remained close with Nash and praised his appointment.

“John Nash represents everything a leader should be about,” Sampson said before leading the University of Houston to the Elite Eight. “His commitment to detail, his work ethic and compassion for his fellow man makes him special. John is selfless and a team first man. It was an honor to coach him, and I have enjoyed watching him grow as a great husband and father.”

In 2016, Nash founded Sporting Global, an international sports management firm that partners with some of the most prolific sports franchises and athletes in the world including FC Barcelona, Rafa Nadal and Atletico Madrid. He also serves as a special advisor and trainer to the Edmond Police Department SWAT team as a subject matter expert in tactics, techniques and procedures.

Additionally, Nash has worked to support the families of fallen U.S. service members and serves on Beta Theta Pi’s Gamma Phi Chapter corporate board.

Nash holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Oklahoma, an MBA from the European University in Madrid and graduated cum laude from law school at Seton Hall University.

He is a proud husband and father of two who enjoys coaching basketball and spending time with family and friends.

Gov. Stitt’s appointment order can be viewed here.