OKLAHOMA CITY- On Monday, May 21, the Oklahoma State Senate voted unanimously to confirm Governor Brad Henry’s latest nominee to the Will Rogers Memorial Commission. Claremore resident Cara Cowan Watts, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Sean Burrage (D-Claremore), will serve a six year term ending March 1, 2013. She succeeds Pat Crume.
“Cara is the type of Oklahoman who values service to her community and to her state,” Governor Brad Henry said. “She understands the importance of her new role as a member of the Will Rogers Memorial Commission and I truly believe the Commission will be stronger because of her service.”
Watts, who is expected to complete a Ph.D. in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering from Oklahoma State University in December of 2008, currently sits on the Cherokee Nation tribal council. She is a member of the Oklahoma Professional Chapter of American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the Cherokee Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club and the Society of Women Engineers.
Senator Sean Burrage said Watts has an extensive background in non profit work—something he views as an important asset her confirmation will bring to the Will Rogers Memorial Commission.
“I can’t think of a more qualified person to serve on the Will Rogers Memorial Commission and I was honored to carry her nomination through the confirmation process,” Burrage said. “Her service comes at a time when the Will Rogers Memorial is facing tremendous opportunities of growth and change. Her fresh ideas and dedication to public service will be an asset as the Commission works through these changes.”
Watts said she looks forward to working closely with members of the Commission to move the Memorial’s bold agenda forward.
“Community Service is an important part of my daily life,” Watts said. “I am grateful to Governor Henry for nominating me to serve on the Commission and thankful to Senator Burrage for carrying my nomination through the confirmation process in the Senate.”