Governor Stitt Names Enid Woman Director Of His New DC Office

Governor Kevin Stitt’s plan to open an office in the nation’s capital became a reality last week with the announcement that he has hired Christina Gungoll Lepore to serve as the director of his Washington, D.C. office.  

Gov. Stitt first mentioned that he wanted to have a full-time staff member in Washington -- an insider, of sorts -- in August 2019. He found that person in Gungoll Lepore.

"It’s a great honor to be able to work for the state of Oklahoma again, for the governor, helping to advance his priorities here in Washington," said Gungoll Lepore in an interview Thursday.

As a former staffer for Congressman Frank Lucas and various congressional committees, Gungoll Lepore knows her way around Capitol Hill.

"The governor wanted to open this office," Gungoll Lepore explained, "to make sure that Oklahoma is on a level playing field with other states that have boots on the ground here."

And that's quite a few--Gungoll Lepore said at least 25. Most of those that do have offices in D.C. are set up in the Hall of States, just a few blocks north of the Capitol. She said it's not clear yet where the Oklahoma office will be, but regardless, she will be close to the action and able to directly represent the Governor.

"And [I'll] be able to make sure Oklahoma is getting its fair share of federal dollars," she said, "especially considering that 40 percent of the state’s budget comes from federal dollars."

The state hasn’t had an office in Washington since the end of the Walters administration, and some wonder why it’s necessary now, with a seven-person congressional delegation already looking after the state’s federal interests.

Gungoll Lepore said the delegation does a great job, but she will be able deepen the state's relationship with federal partners, "whether it’s the federal agencies or the federal delegation," said Gungoll Lepore, "so that we can best communicate the governor's priorities for the state."

She said that will be anything and everything that will help make Oklahoma a top 10 state.