Wildlife Department director steps down with $169,000 severance

Oklahoma’s top wildlife official resigned this week and departed with severance pay of $169,341 from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Lifetime License Trust Fund.

The immediate departure of Director JD Strong surprised many, but officials and staff pointed to public statements indicating an amicable departure. Wade Free, former Assistant Director of Operations, was appointed Interim Director.

Commissioners cited State Statute Title 74 in approving the severance pay, usually offered only to employees dismissed or forced out as part of a reduction in force. One section of the statute does note agencies may pay severance to employees not covered by the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act.

Officials referred further questions to the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office, but a call was not immediately returned.

The department reported the director’s position annual salary is $162,266.

Citing an inability to comment on personnel matters, officials did not address the reasons behind the departure or why a severance was paid. Strong declined to comment beyond his issued statement.

The Lifetime License Trust Fund consists of revenue from lifetime licenses sold since 1969. The principal cannot by spent, but interest investment income is used for department operations.

A first hint of Strong’s departure appeared on Monday’s regular commission meeting agenda with a vote to enter an executive season to discuss “the employment, hiring, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining or resignation” of the Director.” The group re-emerged without the director, set a special Wednesday meeting, and adjourned.

The commission again retired into executive session Wednesday to discuss the appointment of the interim director and approve Strong’s resignation. Commissioners approved the severance pay in an open meeting, and a department press release made the resignation public Wednesday evening.