John Kevin Stitt is the 28th governor of Oklahoma. He is an American conservative politician and businessman. Stitt is the first tribally enrolled Native American to serve as governor of a U.S. state, as a member of the Cherokee Nation, as well as Oklahoma’s second governor of Native descent after Johnston Murray. He is the founder of the Gateway Mortgage Group and is a former chairman of the company.
Kevin Stitt’s net worth
Kevin Stitt’s net worth is estimated around $20 million. He owes his millionaire status to his mortgage company Gateway Mortgage Group that he established in 2000, along with his salary as Governor of Oklahoma. Stitts has an annual stipulated salary of $147,000. His company is one of the largest privately held mortgage originations. Gateway has been featured on the Inc. 5000 list numerous times.
“The honour of being recognized by Inc. is a tribute to Gateway’s amazing team members and their commitment to quality.”- Stitt said. Gateway Mortgage Group has also featured on the list of “50 Best Companies to Work for” by Mortgage Executive Magazine, “Top Workplaces” by National Mortgage Professional Magazine, and “Top 100 Mortgage Companies” by Mortgage Executive Magazine.
Kevin Stitt’s personal info
Stitts was born on 28th December 1972, in Milton, Florida, and is 49 years old. His parents are John Stitt and Joyce Stitt. He married Sarah Hazen in 1998 and they have six children. Stitt is a Cherokee Nation citizen through Robert Benton Dawson, his great – grandfather. Stitts is a Christian by religion and he and his family are members of the Woodland Church in Tulsa. He currently resides in the Oklahoma Governor’s Mansion with his family.
Career
Before establishing his mortgage firm, Stitt started working in the finance service sector. In 2002 he established Gateway Mortgage Group with just “$1000 and a computer”. The company eventually grew to employ more than 400 employees by 2006. As of now, Gateway originates mortgages in over 42 states and has over 1500 employees. The company is currently based in Jenks, Oklahoma.
Stitt stepped into the political arena in July, 2017, when he announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Governor in 2018. As a political newcomer, Stitt received crucial support from three well – established conservative leaders, U.S Senator Ted Cruz, and two former U.S Senators, Rick Santorum and Tom Coburn.
Stitt called himself “the only job creator with proven business experience” running for governor during his campaign, highlighting his business background. In November 2017, Stitt defeated the Democratic nominee, former Attorney General Drew Edmondson, and Libertarian Chris Powell in the general elections.
He was sworn in by the Chief Justice of Oklahoma, Noma Gurich, as the 28th Governor of Oklahoma on 14th January, 2018, at the Oklahoma State Capitol succeeding Mary Fallin.
Stitt’s 2022 legislative session begins with his State of the State address
The Oklahoma governor addressed the State of the State on February 8 hitting on some familiar conservative themes including one that has been a long term priority for the Democrats – removing the 4.5% state tax on groceries. Additional sales taxes in dome.local jurisdictions increase the tax rate to 10% in some areas.
Stitt also proposed more government efficiency, improved infrastructure, and a better business climate as part of his fourth State address.
