The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) is an independent agency of the state of Oklahoma responsible for providing employment services to the citizens of Oklahoma. The Commission is part of a national network of employment service agencies and is funded by money from the United States Department of Labor. The Commission is also responsible for administering the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 on behalf of the state. The Commission is composed of five members appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma, with the approval of the Oklahoma Senate. All members serve six-year terms. The Commission appoints an Executive Director, who serves at the pleasure of the Commission, to act as the executive head of the Commission. The current Executive Director is Richard McPherson, who has held that position since January 2011. The Commission was established in 1941 during the term of Governor Leon C. Phillips. History and Functions The Commission was created by the Oklahoma Legislature in 1941. The Commission is responsible for operating local workforce centers throughout the state. These centers provide testing, career counseling and placement services for job seekers; solicits job orders from employers; refers job seekers to jobs; and maintains a statewide online job listing databank. The Commission also administers a number of programs that provide employment-related assistance for specific groups, such as dislocated workers, long-term unemployed adults and youth. The Commission has responsibility for collecting unemployment insurance taxes from Oklahoma employers to fund payment of unemployment benefits to jobless workers. The Commission, in cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, manages a number of research programs that provide current labor market information to employers, job seekers, employment and guidance counselors, and students to assist them in making informed decisions. Leadership The Commission is under the supervision of the Secretary of Commerce and Tourism. Under Governor of Oklahoma Kevin Stitt and David Ostrowe is serving as the Secretary. Commission members The Commission is composed of five members appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma, with the approval of the Oklahoma Senate. Two members represent employers, two represent employees, and one represents the public. The representative of the public serves as the chair of the Commission. All members serve six-year terms. As of September 2018, the Commission is composed of the following members: Representing the Public Rachel Hutchings – Chair Representing Employers David Adams, Commissioner Karen Hudson, Commissioner Representing Employees Jim Quillen, Commissioner Duchess Bartmess, Commissioner Organization Internal structure