The current Secretary of Health is Howard Hendrick, who was appointed by Governor Brad Henry in 2003.

The previous position was established, along with the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet, by the Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986.

The Secretary of Human Services oversees most public assistance programs offered by the State.

As of fiscal year 2011, the Secretary of Human Services oversees 9,115 full-time employees and is responsible for an annual budget of over $2.4 billion.

Incumbent Secretary Howard Henrick serves as the Director of the Department of Human Services.