Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry appoints health secretary Terri White

Gov. Brad Henry on Friday named Commissioner of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Terri White to be his new secretary of health.

White succeeds Mike Crutcher, who is retiring as commissioner of health and health secretary.

Crutcher’s last day was Friday. The Board of Health is searching for someone to replace Crutcher as health commissioner.

White is the first woman to serve as secretary of health since the executive Cabinet system was created in the 1980s, Henry’s office said.

"Terri has a proven track record of success as a public servant,” Henry said.

"She’s been a dedicated and effective advocate for public health and has worked tirelessly to improve the state’s mental health and substance abuse services. I know she will do a great job in her expanded leadership role.”

History in health care

White has served as commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services for two years.

The agency has a budget of about $300 million.

Prior to that, she served as a deputy commissioner for the agency and as a fiscal and policy analyst with the Oklahoma Senate.

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the University of Oklahoma.

"This is a great honor, and I appreciate Gov. Henry’s confidence in me,” White said. "I look forward to working with him and other leaders in the public and private sectors to improve the health of Oklahoma.”