State Treasurer Scott Meacham, a fifth generation Oklahoman, graduated from Chickasha High School and the University of Oklahoma. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, a Masters of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor degree.

      Before his government service, Meacham was Chief Executive Officer of First National Bank & Trust of Elk City. Under his leadership, the bank more than doubled in size and saw its profits increase by more than 150 percent.

      Scott Meacham began his service as the 17th State Treasurer in Oklahoma history on June 1, 2005. He was overwhelmingly reelected in 2006, garnering over 60% of the votes.

      Meacham, who also serves in the governor’s cabinet as Secretary for Finance and Revenue, is Governor Henry’s primary financial and budget advisor and serves as his chief negotiator on budget, legislative, tribal matters and other issues. He has directed modernization of Oklahoma’s investment portfolio and has more than tripled state investment income while minimizing investment risk.

     I met Scott Meacham during our service on Brad Henry’s transition team shortly after the 2002 election. The newly elected Governor gave us the task of meeting with the various state government agencies, hearing their budget requests, and putting together his first annual budget.

      The task was not simple. Oklahoma was facing the largest budget shortfall in state history. During the campaign, Henry had pledged to balance the budget without raising taxes. At a time when other newly elected governors broke a similar promise, Governor Henry kept his word.

      Scott Meacham made that much simpler. I watched Scott in meeting after meeting, regularly cutting to the heart of the matter, finding appropriate places where the citizens could save money in supposedly barebones budgets. This was no slash-and-run job: Meacham, who was slated to be Director of State Finance, led the effort in smart, effective ways. I learned then what others have come to know, that Oklahoma’s finances are in great hands with Scott Meacham at the helm.

      Scott, his wife, Susan, and their four children, Trevor, Evan, Kady and Lucas, live in Edmond. They attend Crossings Community Church.

      Please welcome State Treasurer Scott Meacham to the Rotary Club of Edmond.

Andy