Gov. Mary Fallin says a former lieutenant governor she defeated in the 2010 election has been named interim executive director of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board.
Fallin's office said the board appointed JariAskins on Monday. The governor called Askins a "dedicated and universally respected" public servant.
Askins served 12 years as a state representative and eight years as a special district judge in Stephens County. She was elected lieutenant governor in 2007 and opted against a re-election bid in 2010. Fallin defeated her in the gubernatorial election that year.
In 1991, Askins was appointed to the state Pardon and Parole board and was named its first female chairman.
Former executive Director Terry Jenks retired last year as the board faced questions over compliance with Oklahoma's Open Meeting Act.
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