Hot Seat Extra: Energy policy and Oklahoma’s path forward

(Originally published on News 9) Secretary Jeff Starling shares his journey from rural Virginia to leading Oklahoma’s energy policy. In his conversation with Scott Mitchell, Starling discusses his career, the state’s energy challenges, and his vision for a balanced and sustainable future.

Secretary’s Background and Career Path

“I was born and raised in a small rural area in Virginia, right on the North Carolina border, in Pittsylvania County and Franklin County,” said Secretary Jeff Starling. “There were the mega industries of furniture, tobacco, and textiles… it was an area of the country that was really hard hit when those types of industries just up and vanished in the 90s and really starting in the 80s.”

Starling reflected on his upbringing in rural Virginia, recalling days spent exploring the outdoors with friends. He later attended Wake Forest University for both undergraduate studies and law school, with an interlude working for a Virginia senator who chaired the Armed Services Committee.

“After law school, I clerked for a federal judge,” said Starling. ” Learned just a ton from everything from criminal type lawsuits and capital punishment type cases that we were dealing with.”

He later transitioned to a private equity-backed company focused on oil and gas water management, overseeing various operational and legal aspects before joining Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration.