Former Oklahoma Tourism Director Receives $290K in Settlements

Shelley Zumwalt received $200K after exit and $90K settlement tied to records requests.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:43am

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A dimly lit government office desk with a single beam of warm, diagonal sunlight cutting across the surface, evoking a sense of melancholy and bureaucratic isolation.The generous severance package and settlement awarded to the former Oklahoma Tourism Director raise questions about transparency and accountability within the state government.Oklahoma City Today

Nearly 18 months after being ousted from her role leading the Oklahoma Tourism Department, former director Shelley Zumwalt continued to receive taxpayer-funded payouts totaling $290,000, including a $200,000 severance package and a $90,000 settlement related to public records requests.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing transparency and accountability issues within Oklahoma's state government, as well as the potential for generous severance packages and settlements for high-level officials who depart their roles, even under unclear circumstances.

The details

Zumwalt received the $200,000 severance package after being dismissed from her position as Oklahoma Tourism Director in late 2024. She also secured a separate $90,000 settlement tied to public records requests made about her tenure and departure from the agency.

  • Zumwalt was dismissed from her role as Oklahoma Tourism Director in late 2024.
  • The $200,000 severance package was paid out in early 2025.
  • The $90,000 settlement related to public records requests was reached in mid-2025.

The players

Shelley Zumwalt

The former director of the Oklahoma Tourism Department who received $290,000 in taxpayer-funded payouts after being ousted from her role.

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What they’re saying

“Oklahomans deserve transparency from their government, not secretive settlements that shield the truth.”

— State Senator Jill Stitt, Chair, Senate Government Oversight Committee

What’s next

The Oklahoma State Legislature is expected to hold hearings in the coming months to investigate the circumstances around Zumwalt's departure and the use of taxpayer funds for the settlements.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures within Oklahoma's state government to prevent the misuse of public funds and ensure transparency around the departure of high-level officials.