Oklahoma’s Approach to Regulatory Excellence
September 10, 2026 by Simone Ashley
Modernizing regulatory operations requires more than replacing outdated technology. It demands a thoughtful evaluation of long-standing processes, collaboration across stakeholders, and a commitment to improving experiences for both agency staff and the public.
In a recent episode of CLEAR’s Regulation Matters podcast, Liz Searock, Oklahoma Department of Labor director of governmental and public affairs, and Connie Pearson, Tyler Oklahoma general manager, discuss Oklahoma's modernization journey and the lessons learned along the way. Together, they explore how the agency implemented a plan to move beyond disconnected databases and manual workarounds to create a more efficient and sustainable licensing operation.
The conversation highlights a reality many regulatory agencies face: legacy systems often create inefficiencies that impact employees, licensees, and residents. Rather than simply digitizing existing processes, Oklahoma focused on rethinking how work gets done, emphasizing employee engagement, stakeholder buy-in, and strong vendor partnership throughout the modernization effort.
Listeners will gain insights into the challenges agencies encounter when pursuing modernization, the importance of building support for change, and why successful transformation extends beyond technology implementation. This discussion also explores how agencies can create a foundation that supports evolving regulatory requirements while delivering better service to the professionals and businesses they serve.
Listen to the full episode to hear practical advice for agencies evaluating modernization initiatives, strategies for overcoming resistance to change, and key considerations for creating a future-ready regulatory environment.