For Immediate Release: June 11, 2024

Contact:  Erin Hatfield, (405) 437.8468

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced today that Executive Director Scott Thompson has retired. Thompson was appointed DEQ’s executive director in December 2013.

As executive director, one of Thompson’s most significant achievements was fostering strong partnerships with national and state leaders and his efforts to create local partnerships with community leaders and facilities DEQ regulates. With a focus on customer service, Thompson implemented new approaches to environmental permitting and enforcement resulting in positive environmental protections for all Oklahomans.

“It has been my honor to serve the people of Oklahoma in my almost 40 years at DEQ. I am very fortunate to work with dedicated, smart public servants whose efforts have made Oklahoma a great place to live and raise a family. DEQ is an exceptional state agency, and we have laid a solid foundation upon which to grow always with the guiding principle of protecting people and the environment,” said Thompson.

Thompson’s career included a long history in public service. Prior to his role as DEQ Executive Director, he managed a diverse set of cleanup programs within the agency’s Land Protection Division. In that role, he oversaw and negotiated the cleanup of complex sites such as Tar Creek. He also led other cleanup programs, including Brownfields and Radiation Management.

Thompson served on numerous national and state committees. His work through the Environmental Council of States (ECOS) helped shape national policy beneficial to Oklahoma and other states. He was on the ECOS E-Enterprise Leadership Council, Shale Caucus Committee and served as the Waste Committee Vice Chair.

Thompson has a biology degree from Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma) and a master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Oklahoma.

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