“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.”

Admiral Slavonic previously served as the director for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs under Governor Stitt. The department had long been plagued by financial mismanagement and distractions from the department’s core mission.

“I’m grateful that Governor Stitt is so keenly focused on rooting out corruption and ensuring that government is working first and foremost for the citizens we are tasked with serving,” said Admiral Slavonic. “The Department of Mental Health brings much needed services to many Oklahomans, and I look forward to ensuring that they have the tools needed to provide those services. I thank Governor Stitt for trusting me with this effort.”

Prior to state service, President Trump appointed Slavonic to serve as assistant secretary of the Navy for manpower and reserve affairs. He previously served as deputy and principal assistant to the secretary of the Navy, and as chief operating officer and chief management officer for the Department of the Navy. He served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years.

He is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and received a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.