New State Auditor – Steve Burrage (Updated)

Updated at Bottom of Post

The McCarville Report Online is reporting that Gov. Brad Henry has appointed to replacedisgraced former auditor, Jeff McMahan from Tecumseh, near Oklahoma City.

Burrage is listed as the President and CEO of the First National Bank of Antlers (in Southeastern Oklahoma), and was formerly the Chair of the Oklahoma Bankers Association. He has given substantially to state and national Democratic political campaigns over the last several years political campaign contributions over the last several years.

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Update, from Brad Henry’s office:

Governor Brad Henry has selected a respected, longtime Oklahoma banker and certified public accountant to serve as the state’s new auditor and inspector. Steve Burrage, 56, of Antlers will succeed Jeff McMahan, who resigned last month after being found guilty in a federal corruption trial.

Burrage has more than 30 years of experience in banking and accounting. He has led FirstBank of Antlers since 1982, serving as its president, chief executive officer and now its chairman of the board. He is also a certified public accountant and was a partner in Burgess and Burrage Certified Public Accountants from 1977 to 1982.

Gov. Henry announced the appointment Thursday, saying the banker has the qualities essential to restore public confidence in the auditor’s position. Gov. Brad Henry:

“Steve Burrage has impeccable credentials and a reputation above reproach. He is without question the best person to serve as auditor and restore public trust in that important position.

“In fact, with his many years of leadership experience in banking and accounting, Steve may be the most qualified auditor in state history. I am certain he will be an exemplary public servant and a strong leader for the state of Oklahoma.”

Burrage has served on numerous civic and financial boards. He is a board member of the Oklahoma City branch of the Federal Reserve Bank and is the past chairman of the board of the Oklahoma Bankers Association.

Burrage holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Oklahoma. He and his wife Roberta have three children. Steve Burrage:

“I appreciate Gov. Henry’s confidence in me and look forward to serving the people of Oklahoma as their state auditor and inspector. My top priority is to restore public confidence in the auditor’s position and ensure that Oklahoma tax dollars are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

Burrage will assume his state duties immediately.

Biographical Information for Steve Burrage
Date of Birth: July 7, 1952
Residence: Antlers, Oklahoma
Birthplace: Durant, Oklahoma
Wife: Roberta
Children: Mike, Mark and Bradley
Member of the Choctaw Nation

Education
BBA in Accounting from the University of Oklahoma, 1975

Private sector experience
Chairman of the Board, FirstBank, 2005-present
Chairman and CEO of FirstBank, 1990-2005
President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of FirstBank, 1984-1990
President and CEO of First Bank, 1982-84
Partner of Burgess and Burrage, Certified Public Accountants, 1977-1982

Professional organizations
Member, Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants
Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Federal board positions
Member, Federal Reserve Bank, Oklahoma City Branch

State and local board positions
Chairman, Oklahoma Bankers Association, Association of State Banks
Chairman, Pushmataha County Town of Antlers Hospital Authority Board
Member, Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board
Member, Oklahoma Bankers Association Services Company
Member, Southeastern Oklahoma State University Foundation, Executive Committee
Member, Bizzell Memorial Library Board of Directors for the University of Oklahoma
Member, Pushmataha County Chamber of Commerce

Past board positions
Chairman, Oklahoma Bankers Association
Chairman, Oklahoma Bankers Association Services Company
Chairman, Oklahoma Bankers Association Government Relations Council
Chairman, American Bankers Association State Membership Board
Member, American Bankers Association National Accounting Committee
Member, American Bankers Association Government Relations Council

Civic activities
Past Member of Board of Trustees, First United Methodist Church of Antlers
Past Member, Board of Trustees, Town of Antlers
Past President of Antlers Lions Club
Past President of Pushmataha County Chamber of Commerce
Past Member of Board of Education, Antlers Public School