With District Attorney Greg Mashburn’s recent announcement to retire, Governor Kevin Stitt wasted no time announcing who will replace him when his retirement takes effect March 1.

Stitt appointed Jennifer Austin to replace Mashburn as District Attorney for District 21 which covers Cleveland, McClain and Garvin Counties.

Austin’s appointment is to fill the office for the remaining two years of Mashburn’s term, which ends in 2027.

Austin has served as Mashburn’s first assistant since 2022.

“Serving the citizens of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain Counties for the past 18 years has been the honor of a lifetime,” Mashburn said in a recent press release.

“I am profoundly grateful for the trust my fellow Oklahomans have placed in me throughout my tenure.

“When I first took office, I pledged to uphold justice, protect the vulnerable and serve the public with integrity. These principles have guided me daily, and together, we have achieved significant milestones in pursuit of safer, more crime free communities,” he said.

Mashburn began his career as an assistant district attorney in Oklahoma County where he spent nearly a decade as a prosecutor.

First elected district attorney for District 21 in 2006, Mashburn began his fifth term as DA in January 2023.

When Stitt announced the appointment of Austin he said, “Jennifer’s career exemplifies dedication, integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice. Her decades of experience prosecuting 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 began her prosecuting career in the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office where she was a founding member of the Domestic Violence Prosecution Team and handled cases involving homicide and child abuse. She joined District 21 under Mashburn in 2007, serving on the Major Crimes Team and later the Special Victim’s Team, where she prosecuted numerous child and adult sexual abuse cases.

“I am deeply honored by the trust Governor Stitt has placed in me,” Austin said in a press release from the governor’s office.

“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.”

A Norman native, Austin earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Oklahoma State University. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1998.

Austin’s appointment will take effect March 1.