Press release
The Oklahoma State Board of Health will be welcoming three new members following their appointment by Governor Fallin and confirmation by the Oklahoma State Senate in the recently concluded legislative session.
Ronald Osterhout begins his term immediately. He will serve the remainder of the term of Cris Hart-Wolfe, who recently resigned. Osterhout, a resident of Altus, represents Ellis, Dewey, Custer, Roger Mills, Beckham, Washita, Kiowa, Greer, Jackson, Harmon, and Tillman counties.
He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BS and MS in engineering. Osterhout is now involved in production agriculture in southwestern Oklahoma. He was previously a member of the Board of Health from 1998 to 2007. His current term will expire in 2025.
The other two members will join the board on July 1. Becky Payton, regional vice president of Mercy Hospital, will replace current board president Martha Burger, who will become president of Oklahoma City University. Payton’s board position represents the state at large and her term will expire in 2024. Charles Skillings, president of St. Anthony Shawnee, will replace Dr. Robert S. Stewart, whose term ends on June 30. Skillings will serve a new nine year term that will run until June 30, 2027, representing represents Creek, Lincoln, Okfuskee, Seminole, Pottawatomie, Pontotoc, Hughes, Johnston, and Coal counties.
“I am extremely grateful for the service that Ms. Burger and Dr. Stewart have provided to the board during their tenure and I appreciate the willingness of our new board members to serve the state,” said OSDH Interim Commissioner Tom Bates. “I look forward to working with them toward the goal of improving the health of all Oklahomans.”