Ken Lackey Explained

Ken Lackey
President of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa
Term Start:August 1, 1999
Term End:June 13, 2001
Successor:Ken Levit
Birth Date:1943
Party:Republican
Residence:Tulsa, Oklahoma
Profession:Businessman
Title2:Chief of Staff to Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating
Term Start2:April 6, 1997
Term End2:August 1, 1999
Governor2:Frank Keating
Successor2:Howard Barnett Jr.
Title3:Oklahoma Secretary of Health and Human Services
Term Start3:May 10, 1995
Term End3:April 6, 1997
Governor3:Frank Keating
Successor3:Jerry Regier
Title4:Executive Director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs
Term Start4:1995
Term End4:April 6, 1997
Governor4:Frank Keating
Predecessor4:Post created
Successor4:Jerry Regier

Kenneth Lackey (born 1943) is an American businessman and politician from Oklahoma who formerly served as the president of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa.

Lackey has previously served in numerous positions within the administration of Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating, including Keating's chief of staff (1997–1999) and Oklahoma Secretary of Health and Human Services (1995–1997). In addition to his service as secretary, Lackey served concurrently as the executive director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Education and early career

Lackey earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Mississippi in 1965, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1967. After leaving UT, Lakcey served in the United States Army for four years, leaving in 1969 with the rank of first lieutenant. For his service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

When Lackey left the Army, he moved to Tulsa and joined Skelly Oil Company, where he served in various financial and executive positions. He later accepted the position of vice-president and treasurer for Kin-Ark Corporation, a firm involved in chemicals, galvanizing and hotel management in Tulsa. In 1977, Lackey joined Flint Industries, Inc., a privately owned, oil and gas services and commercial construction company. He remained with that firm until 1995. While at Flint, Lackey served as chief financial officer, executive vice-president/chief operating officer, president, director and executive committee member for that firm.

While in Tulsa, Lackey served on numerous community boards. He was a member of the board of directors of the Tulsa Port of Catoosa as well as board chairman of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Chamber of Commerce.

Keating Administration

Health Secretary

In May 1995, Republican Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating appointed Lackey to serve as his Secretary of Health and Human Services. As Health and Human Services Secretary, Lackey oversaw the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services, and the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.[1]

In addition to his services as secretary, Lackey was appointed by Keating to be the first executive director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.

Chief of staff

Lackey served as secretary until 1997, when Keating appointed him as his chief of staff. Keating appointed Jerry Regier to succeed Lackey. As chief of staff, Lackey served as Keating's top advisor.[2]

University of Oklahoma

Lackey resigned as Keating's chief of staff in 1999 to become the president of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa.[3] He was succeeded in that position by Ken Levit

Notes and References

  1. News: Jenkins . Ron . Keating Selects Lackey for Cabinet . . May 10, 1995 .
  2. News: Price . Marie . Keating nominates Regier . . April 16, 1997 .
  3. News: Price . Marie . Lackey to take position with OU in Tulsa . . June 25, 1999 .