The Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) is a state agency in the legislative branch that assists the Oklahoma House and Senate. LOFT provides budgetary recommendations to the LOFT Oversight Committee for use in setting the funding of state government, higher education, and public schools. LOFT is charged with ensuring state agency programs are efficient, effective and transparent. The LOFT Oversight Committee includes seven Senators and seven Representatives with political parties represented in proportion to membership in each house of the legislature.
Regina Birchum, Executive Director
Regina Birchum helped launch the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) in 2020, serving as its first Deputy Director, and then Interim Director before being appointed Executive Director in 2025. Her prior work includes 15 years at the State Capitol serving in numerous roles involving public policy and communications, with a policy focus on government efficiency and fiscal transparency. Prior to returning to the Capitol for LOFT, she spent five years founding and leading a non-profit education organization. Director Birchum holds a B.A. in Mass Communication from Texas State University and has completed the Executive Leadership Development Program from the Stayer Center for Executive Education at the University of Notre Dame. She also holds a certificate in public policy from Penn Wharton.
Bill Bryant, Financial Analyst
Bill Bryant analyzes agency budgets and their implementation by applying accounting fundamentals, critical thinking, and systems analysis. He also provides survey design and research, and particularly enjoys identifying patterns in budgeting and expenditures. Mr. Bryant joined LOFT in 2022 after working as a researcher, statistical analyst, management information specialist, and workforce planner across numerous state agencies, including the Department of Commerce, the Employment Security Commission, and the Department of Human Services. Mr. Bryant holds a B.S. degree in Mathematics from Oklahoma State University and has also studied Public Administration at the University of Oklahoma.
Mike Davis, Legal Analyst
Mike Davis conducts legal research and analysis for LOFT, in addition to lending his critical eye to drafting and editing reports. Prior to joining LOFT in 2022, Mr. Davis worked for a research institute, with the majority of his work focused on administrative reforms, civil justice, and occupational licensing issues. Mr. Davis is a cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School, where he focused on constitutional duties, and holds a B.A. from Asbury University.
Holly Hankins, LSB Coordinator/Records Management Clerk
Holly Hankins has been with the Office since 2023. In addition to serving as the coordinator for the shared services under LSB, she manages the records obtained by LOFT, including statutorily required reports from State agencies. Additionally, Ms. Hankins supports the Photography Division of LSB through digital archiving of photographs and supports LOFT’s evaluations with research, writing, and data sourcing. Ms. Hankins’ prior experience includes roles in the fleet management department of the Department of Corrections, a Client Relations Coordinator with a non-profit, and an Adoptions Specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Ms. Hankins holds a B.S. in Rehabilitation Science from Arkansas Tech University, with an emphasis in aging and social services.
Rebecca Hobbes, Program Evaluator
Rebecca Hobbes joined LOFT in 2022 and supports LOFT’s evaluations through writing, researching, and conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis. Building on the policy skills from her past roles in State government, including three years as a policy strategist in the Governor’s Office, Ms. Hobbes has led evaluations of topics as broad as workforce development and health care. Ms. Hobbes holds a B.S. in Political Science from Oklahoma Christian University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.
Jeromy Knapp, Economist/Financial Analyst
Jeromy Knapp has been with LOFT since 2023, where he provides review of agencies’ financial data, examines agencies’ financial structures, and assesses financial risks. In his role as LOFT’s economist, Mr. Knapp has forecasted State revenues and led the analysis for LOFT’s first stress test of the State budget. He also supports LOFT’s varied projects with research, writing, and data analysis. Mr. Knapp’s prior experience includes roles in banking, finance, and as an auditor. Knapp holds a B.S. in Economics from Oklahoma State University.
Steffen Van Zant, Program Evaluator
Mr. Van Zant joined LOFT in 2025, bringing over 14 years of experience in data analysis, process improvement, and root cause analysis. Before joining LOFT, he spent more than a decade in the healthcare industry, where he led efforts to improve operational workflows and patient experience. Most recently, he worked in education with Stride, Inc., where he developed a sibling student audit program to streamline documentation and reduce administrative burdens for families. Van Zant studied computer science and general education at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City and the University of Oklahoma.
John (J.T.) Welch, Program Evaluator
JT Welch has been with LOFT since 2022, and since that time has contributed to LOFT’s evaluations through data analytics, investigative research, and identifying patterns and trends, especially related to agency expenditures. Mr. Welch’s prior work experience includes building strategic, learning-based solutions for a local private company and working as a Child Welfare Specialist for the Department of Human Services. Mr. Welch holds a B.A. in Communication with a minor in Public Affairs and Administration from the University of Oklahoma. He also has obtained professional certification from the University of Oklahoma Lean Institute's College of Professional and Continuing Studies.
State Capitol Building - Room 107
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 768-3200
info@okloft.gov