For Immediate Release --- October 25th, 2023

For More Information Contact: Commissioner Carrie Blumert at (405) 713-1501

Oklahoma County – Today, the Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appointed Dr. Andrea Benjamin to fill the remainder of John Pettis Sr.’s term as trustee of the Oklahoma County Finance Authority by a 3-0 vote. 

Mr. Pettis submitted his resignation from the trust after serving for more than 20 years.  Commissioner Blumert, along with her colleagues on the BOCC, recognized Pettis’ long history of public service with a Resolution at a meeting earlier this month.  “I want to thank John for his many years of dedicated service to the citizens of Oklahoma County. His passion for increasing access to homeownership in our community was absolutely unmatched. He understood that homeownership creates generational wealth, and more residents should be able to own their home.”

In filling the unexpired term on the Authority, Dr. Benjamin will serve until December 31, 2025.  She will be eligible for reappointment at that time.  As for her decision to appointment Dr. Benjamin, Blumert said she was excited to have the opportunity to appoint Dr. Benjamin to the position. “Dr. Benjamin’s extensive community service and her experience will be invaluable as the Home Finance Authority looks for more ways to create opportunities for home ownership and affordable housing in Oklahoma County” said Blumert.  Blumert noted she was looking forward to seeing how the Authority would expand their role in that process in the coming months.  

Dr. Benjamin is an Associate Professor in the Clara Luper Department of African and American Studies at the University of Oklahoma, the Director of the Oklahoma Scholar – Leadership Program, and an author.  She also serves on various boards and commissions, including Sally’s List, Oklahoma ACLU, and Northeast Oklahoma City Renaissance.  She earned her Doctorate Degree from the University of Michigan. 

The Oklahoma County Home Finance Authority was created by Oklahoma County to aid Oklahoma County residents seeking to become homeowners with downpayment assistance or mortgage tax credits.  During the Covid-19 pandemic, the authority provided rental, mortgage, and emergency utility assistance to families facing financial hardship or eviction.  Most recently, the Authority has been tasked by County Commissioners to help with the financing of several affordable housing projects using part of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funding.

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