Oklahoma City - The Commission for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services on Wednesday named Sterling Zearley the agency’s new executive director.
He had been serving as the interim director since June 22.
Zearley has a decades-long career as a public servant. He spent more than 25 years at the Oklahoma Department of Tourism, and 16 years as executive director of the Oklahoma Public Employees Association.
“Over the past few weeks, I have seen up close the tremendous work we do at DRS,” Zearley said. “I am grateful to the Commission for their faith and trust in me, and I look forward to leading the agency in a bold new direction. We remain committed to serving our clients and our students, giving them the training and education they need to become successful, taxpaying citizens.”
Zearley holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Arkansas, a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern State University and an Associate of Science degree from Eastern Oklahoma College.
Last year, DRS served 84,719 individuals with disabilities with career preparation, employment, residential and outreach education, independent living programs, and the determination of medical eligibility for disability benefits. The agency helps job seekers with disabilities overcome barriers to employment, such as inaccessible worksites, lack of transportation or the need for specialized equipment or training.
Follow the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services on social media, including OKDRS on Twitter and Facebook and @okdrs on Instagram.
For more information, visit http://www.okdrs.gov or phone 800-845-8476.
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For more information
Mark K. Beutler,
DRS Communications Director
Cell: 405-830-8756
