Lee R. Denney is a politician from the U.S. state of

Oklahoma Oklahoma (; Choctaw language, Choctaw: ; chr, ᎣᎧᎳᎰᎹ, ''Okalahoma'' ) is a U.S. state, state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States, bordered by Texas on the south and west, Kansas on the nor ...

. Elected in 2005, she currently represents district 33 in the

Oklahoma House of Representatives The Oklahoma House of Representatives is the lower house of the legislature of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Its members introduce and vote on bills and resolutions, provide legislative oversight for state agencies, and help to craft the state's b ...

and is speaker pro tempore of the House. During her time in office, she has been the primary author of 204 bills. She previously served as

mayor In many countries, a mayor is the highest-ranking official in a municipal government such as that of a city or a town. Worldwide, there is a wide variance in local laws and customs regarding the powers and responsibilities of a mayor as well a ...

and vice-mayor of Cushing, OK, and has been a co-owner of Veterinary Medical Associates, Inc. since 1979.

Early life

Born in Cushing, OK in 1953, Denney was a middle child, with an older sister and a younger brother. Her mother stayed at home and her father worked in the insurance business.

Education

Denney graduated from Cushing High School in 1971. She then entered

Oklahoma State University Oklahoma (; Choctaw: ; chr, ᎣᎧᎳᎰᎹ, ''Okalahoma'' ) is a state in the South Central region of the United States, bordered by Texas on the south and west, Kansas on the north, Missouri on the northeast, Arkansas on the east, New ...

, where she received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics in 1976. She received her doctorate of veterinary medicine in 1978.

Career

In 1979, Denney became co-owner of Veterinary Medical Associates, Inc. She has been involved in her community in many capacities, including serving as city commission mayor and vice-mayor of Cushing, OK from 1994–2003. From 1995–2004, she served on the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. She is currently a member of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association and the

American Veterinary Medical Association The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), founded in 1863, is a not-for-profit association representing more than 99,500 veterinarians in the US. The AVMA provides information resources, continuing education opportunities, publicatio ...

House of Representatives (2004–2016)

Denney was elected to the

in 2004 and served until 2016, when the term limit was reached. Over 12 years, she authored 204 bills and served as the speaker pro tempore. She was recently appointed to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Past committees

*A&B common education (chair) *Appropriations and budget *Common education *Conference committee on common education *Conference committee on energy and aerospace *Conference committee on higher education and careertech *Energy and aerospace *General conference committee on appropriations *Joint committee on appropriations and budget Denney currently serves as the

ex officio member An ''ex officio'' member is a member of a body (notably a board, committee, council) who is part of it by virtue of holding another office. The term '' ex officio'' is Latin, meaning literally 'from the office', and the sense intended is 'by right ...

on all House committees.

Leadership

*Assistant majority floor leader *Speaker pro tempore (2015–present)

Awards and honors

*Leadership Oklahoma Class VII *Journal Record – 50 Women Making a Difference (1997, 2003 & 2008) *OK State Regents for Higher Ed - Distinguished Service Award (2009 & 2011) *Bill Lowry Library Champion Award (2008 & 2011) *New Oklahoma Legislator of the Year (2006) *Honorary Co-Chair of Girl Scout Troop 1912