Meet Sterling Zearley
Oklahoma Director of State Parks, Lodges and Golf
Sterling Zearley a Poteau, Oklahoma native has spent much of his career dedicated to public service, with 23 years of service to Oklahoma’s Tourism and Recreation Department. During his career he worked his way through the ranks of the department starting as Curator where he then earned the following positions Park Supervisor, Park Manager and Northeast Regional Manager. His responsibilities as Northeast Regional Manager included park administrative planning, park maintenance & construction, golf courses & lodge management.
In 2007, Zearley assumed the role of Executive Director at the Oklahoma Public Employees Association. Serving as the chief executive officer for 16 years, he was responsible to Oklahoma’s state employees to protect their interest at the capitol & in their workplace.
In June of 2023, Zearley rejoined Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation as the Director of Parks, Lodge and Golf.
Zearley holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Arkansas and a Bachelor of Science degree from Northeastern State University. In addition, he was an adjunct professor at Northeastern State University where he taught classes in Tourist Destination Development which included Destination Management, Customer Service, Marketing, Financial and Hotel/Motel Law.
Sterling and his wife Samantha live in Choctaw, Oklahoma. They are proud to have two married sons, his oldest Austin and wife Jensen and his younger son Hunter and his wife Katleyn. On September 28th, 2023, Sterling welcomed a new grandson to the family Jonas Wayne Zearley.
I started with the OTRD on May 15th, 1984, as Curator at Cherokee Courthouse and was married on May 19th, 1984. My wife and I spent our honeymoon at Cherokee Courthouse. I severed as cabin manager at Tenkiller State Park and my first son Austin was born at Tenkiller State Park.
During my tenure at Sequoyah State Park, my second son Hunter was born. Oklahoma State Parks has been a part of me and my family’s life for decades.
I cannot wait to introduce my grandson, Jonas to all the awesome opportunities that Oklahoma State Parks have to offer.
I encourage everyone to visit Oklahoma State Parks and make your own memories.
What was your first job.
In 1984 I started with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation as a Curator at the Cherokee Courthouse Museum
What got you interested in this industry?
When I was growing up, my family would visit and camp out at Oklahoma State Parks. My for love the outdoors and Oklahoma State Parks has driven me to educate individuals on the importance of state parks
Any exciting projects you are working on that you would like to share?
Educating Legislators and citizens of Oklahoma on the positive economic impact and importance of Oklahoma State Parks have on the state of Oklahoma.
What do you enjoy about the outdoors in your state?
The extensive diversity of Oklahoma. The Geography of Oklahoma encompasses terrain and ecosystems ranging from arid plains to subtropical forests and mountains. Oklahoma contains 10 distinct ecological regions, more per square mile than in any other state by a wide margin.
Highlight one or two state parks in Oklahoma and why we should visit.
Lake Murray State Park is Oklahoma's first and largest state park consisting of 12,500 acres of forested, rolling hills around beautiful Lake Murray. The park's diverse terrain, exceptional trails and historic sites make Lake Murray State Park a favorite destination among outdoor, water sport and ATV riding enthusiasts.
A prime example of Oklahoma's diverse terrain, Little Sahara State Park boasts over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, ranging in height from 25 to 75 feet. The vast dunes have formed over time from terrace deposits, remnants of prehistoric times when the Cimarron River flowed over the entire area. Located south of Waynoka in northwest Oklahoma, the park offers RV sites with water, electric and sewer hookups, tent sites, picnic areas and comfort stations. The main attraction at Little Sahara State Park is dune buggy and ATV riding across the sand dunes. Visitors can either bring their own ATV or rent one off-site by a private vendor. Either way, visitors will have a blast in this mini-desert atmosphere, known as one of the best riding spots for ATVs in the Midwest.
If I was a visitor, what would be the top three things you’d show me?
The diverse landscape at our State Parks and Route 66 (400 miles) - The nation's longest driveable stretch of Route 66 cuts through Oklahoma and Bricktown in Oklahoma City.
Most memorable moment(s) in your career?
Being named Oklahoma State Parks Director
Share a few fun facts about yourself.
