Howard Barnett Jr.

Howard G. Barnett Jr.
President of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa
Incumbent
Assumed office 2009
Preceded by	Gary Trennepohl
Chief of Staff to Governor Frank Keating
In office 1999–2003
Governor	Frank Keating
Preceded by	Ken Lackey
Succeeded by	Post abolished
Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce
In office 1998–1999
Governor	Frank Keating
Preceded by	Ron Rosenfeld
Succeeded by	Russell M. Perry
Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce
In office 1998–1999
Governor	Frank Keating
Preceded by	Leo Presley
Succeeded by	Ronald E. Bussert
Personal details
Born	1950 Tulsa, Oklahoma
Occupation	Businessman, Lawyer

Howard G. Barnett Jr. (born 1950 Kansas City) is an American businessman and politician from Oklahoma who is currently serving as the President of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa.^{[1] [2]} Barnett previously served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce under Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating from 1998 to 1999. Keating appointed Barnett to serve concurrently as the Director of Oklahoma Department of Commerce.^[3]

Early life and career

He was adopted by Howard G. and Florence Lloyd Jones Barnett, of Tulsa. Barnett earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Tulsa in 1972 and a juris doctorate from Southern Methodist University in 1975. After graduating from law school, Barnett served in private practice with interests in business, securities and tax law in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He then joined the Tulsa Tribune company, eventually raising to the position of president and CEO of that company until 1992. In 1993, Barnett accepted the position of Director of Business Development with Tulsa-based The Official Information Company.^[4] During his career in Tulsa, he served as chair of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce.

Keating Administration

Secretary of Commerce

Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating appointed Barnett as his second Secretary of Commerce to replace outgoing Secretary Ron Rosenfeld. As secretary, Barnett had supervision over the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Department of Labor. In addition to his service as secretary, Keating appointed Barnett as director of the Commerce Department.^[5]

Chief of Staff

Barnett continued to serve as secretary until 1999 when he resigned to become Governor Keating's chief of staff. Keating appointed Russell M. Perry to succeed Barnett. As chief of staff, Barnett served as Keating's chief advisor. In particular, he advised Keating on international trade promotion. Barnett continued to serve as Keating's chief of staff until the end of Keating's term as governor.^[6]

Private sector

Following the end of Keating's term as governor, Barnett returned to Tulsa to become the managing director of merchant banking with TSF Capital LLC, where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions.

Campaign for state treasurer

In 2006, Barnett anncounced he would seek the Republican nomination to challenge incumbent Democratic Oklahoma State Treasurer Scott Meacham. He secured the Republican nomination after defeating Daniel Keating, Frank Keating's brother.^[7][8] On election day in 2006, Meacham defeated Barnett with 60% of the vote.^[9]

Oklahoma State University

In 2009, the Board of Regents for Oklahoma State University (OSU) named Barnett president of OSU-Tulsa.

References

1. http://www.osu-tulsa.okstate.edu/faculty/president.asp
2. http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A28661
3. http://www.tulsahistory.org/hof/barnett.htm
4. Price, Marie (1998-10-07). "Barnett takes commerce department posts". The Journal Record.
5. Price, Marie (1998-10-07). "Barnett takes commerce department posts". The Journal Record.
6. Price, Marie (1999-06-24). "Perry named to commerce post". The Journal Record.
7. http://oudaily.com/news/2006/jul/24/kuykendall-loses-district-attorney-primary/
8. Price, Marie (2006-07-24). "Tulsa Republican Howard Barnett wins GOP treasurer primary". The Journal Record.
9. http://www.ourcampaigns.com/RaceDetail.html?RaceID=211744

External links

• OSU-Tulsa official biography