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Deputy State Auditor Melissa Capps Announces Candidacy to Serve as Oklahoma State Auditor & Inspector
With current State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd reaching her term limit in 2026, Deputy State Auditor Melissa Capps filed candidacy papers to lead the agency that is called upon to uncover waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars. Melissa Capps has served taxpayers for over 25 years, currently serving as the Director of the Performance Audit Division (PAD). In her first decade with the SAI, Melissa worked in the State Agency Audit Division, where she conducted audits of federal funds across numerous state entities, including the Department of Human Services and Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
Current State Auditor Cindy Byrd stated, “I am so pleased that my Deputy Auditor Melissa Capps has stepped forward to serve. She has demonstrated over many years her steady hand of competence and calm confidence in very challenging situations, and led agencies to implementation of best practices with patience and clear communication. She will be an outstanding State Auditor, carrying on the agencies’ steadfast commitment to reporting to taxpayers with transparency on all government operations.”
Capps responded, “I am honored to have my colleagues and neighbors across the state encourage me to continue my service to our state in this new capacity. It is especially meaningful to have the support of outgoing State Auditor Byrd and former State Auditor Gary Jones. As State Auditor, I will remain firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of fiscal oversight, with a continued focus on protecting taxpayer dollars.”
As Director of PAD, Melissa has overseen performance audits for state agencies such as the Department of Corrections, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Oklahoma School of Science & Mathematics, the Corporation Commission, and the Health Care Authority - Medicaid Eligibility. In addition, she has led numerous operational audits across state agencies. Melissa has also directed several high-profile special investigative audits, including two different audits of the Department of Health, Stillwater Public Schools, and the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation. Not only has she held bad actors accountable, but she is also known for rolling up her sleeves and working with agencies and staff across state government to improve processes, undergo training, and improving service overall to long term better steward taxpayer funds, and serve the millions of Oklahomans who expect and deserve efficient, responsive, and accountable government.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Central Oklahoma, and is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE). Melissa lives in McLoud, and she and her husband Aaron are the proud parents of three sons, Scout, Cole and Cade.