Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed Jennifer Pointer Austin to succeed Greg Mashburn as district attorney for Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties effective March 1 following the announcement of his plans to retire.
According to a press release, Austin joined Mashburn’s office in 2007, serving on the major crimes team and later the special victims’ team. Austin was named the first assistant district attorney in 2022.
Austin began her career as a prosecutor in the Oklahoma County district attorney’s office, where she was a founding member of the domestic violence prosecution team.
“Jennifer’s career exemplifies dedication, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to justice,” Stitt wrote in a statement. “Her decades of experience prosecutive the most challenging cases, combined with her leadership and service to victims of crime, make her a terrific choice to serve as district attorney.”
Austin, a Norman native, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Oklahoma State University and earned her law degree from Oklahoma City University.
Under Oklahoma law, the governor has the authority to appoint all state office vacancies, except for legislative and congressional vacancies. Austin’s appointment will take effect on March 1. She will serve out the rest of Mashburn’s term, which is slated to end in 2027.
On Thursday, Mashburn announced his intent to retire effective March 1 through a Facebook post after 18 years in office. He most recently won reelection in 2022.
“I am deeply honored by the trust Governor Stitt has placed in me,” Austin wrote. “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to standing up for victims and ensuring justice prevails. I’m eager to lead the office with integrity and a continued focus on keeping our communities safe.”
Austin lives in Norman with her husband, Jeff, who is a local dentist, and their two children, according to the release.
