Stitt names retired Admiral Slavonic as interim Mental Health commissioner

Governor Stitt names Retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic as Interim Commissioner of Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 3, 2025) -Today, Governor Kevin Stitt named Retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic as Interim Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). This comes after the Legislature voted to remove the Governor’s previous appointee in a late-night vote.

“It is no secret that the Department of Mental Health has long been in need of reform,” said Gov. Stitt. “It is imperative that Admiral Slavonic is allowed to do the hard work needed to remove corruption and conflicts of interest without political interference. There are brighter days ahead for this department and those that rely on its services. I’m grateful to Admiral Slavonic for his willingness to set another Oklahoma agency on the right course.”

Greg Slavonic endorses Hefner for OKC Mayor

REAR ADMIRAL GREG SLAVONIC ENDORSES CAROL HEFNER FOR OKC MAYOR

Oklahoma City, OK-- Today, community leader and candidate for Mayor of Oklahoma City Carol Hefner announced she has been endorsed by Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic. Slavonic is the Under Secretary of the Navy, Acting, and has previously served as the 18th Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

Hefner had this to say:

Admiral Greg Slavonic (Ret) endorses Hern for Congress

Greg Slavonic Endorses Kevin Hern For Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional Seat

Tulsa, OK – Retired Navy Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic has endorsed Kevin Hern for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional Seat being vacated by Representative Jim Bridenstine after he was nominated by President Trump to head NASA.

“Kevin Hern is the best candidate to keep our military and navy well equipped and always vigilant to defend against any enemy. He will take care of our veterans who have kept us free and secure," stated Slavonic. "He knows what needs to be fixed so we can get back to a robust economy. Kevin Hern is the only candidate with the demonstrated leadership ability to finish the job.”

Serving the Navy through several additional combat tours, including but not limited to Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom II, Rear Adm. Slavonic served as the U.S. Navy’s Deputy to the Chief of Information in Washington, D.C. and Director of Public Affairs (Reserve) from June 2001 to 2005. In this role, he served as deputy to the Chief of Information responsible for all aspects of the Navy’s Public Affairs Program and adviser on Strategic Communications issues.

“It seemed fitting to announce this endorsement from fellow Oklahoman and a renowned Navy Admiral on the day that we remember our fallen Navy heroes at Pearl Harbor," said Hern. "This day reminds us that we must always remain strong and vigilant. We need to rebuild and revitalize our armed forces to keep our nation secure. This requires an economy that is postured for steady and sustained growth, year over year. Admiral Slavonic knows that I am the only candidate in the race with firsthand experience in dealing with so many regulations that shackle our small businesses and ultimately our entire free-market economy. I am proud to have Admiral Slavonic’s endorsement.”

As the owner of KTAK Corporation, Kevin leads the operations that own ten McDonald’s restaurants that employ over 400 people in the Tulsa area. Kevin has served in various regional and national leadership positions within the McDonald’s Franchise System. Most recently, he served 5 years as the Chairman of the Systems Economic Team for over 3,000 franchisees that own all 15,000 restaurants across the entire country.