Shelley Zumwalt, the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department (OTRD), has announced her retirement effective October 11, 2024. Zumwalt has been with OTRD for over a decade, beginning her career in an entry-level position before being appointed as Executive Director in October 2022. Under her leadership, Oklahoma has seen significant growth in tourism, welcoming over 18 million visitors and contributing approximately $11.8 billion to the state's economy. Her efforts were recognized by the U.S. Travel Association, which awarded her the title of having the top U.S. Travel Guide in 2023. Zumwalt expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for her successor. [4075d5dd]