East Central University (ECU) is proud to announce that Cindy Byrd, Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector, will be honored as a Distinguished Alumni at the university’s Evening of Honors and Recognition on Friday, May 16, at 6 p.m. The ceremony will be held in the ECU Foundation Hall, located inside the Chickasaw Business & Conference Center. Tickets are available online at ecok.edu/2025EOH. For additional information or to reserve tickets, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@ecok.edu or call 580-559-5651.
A 1998 graduate of ECU, Cindy Byrd earned her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, later becoming a Certified Public Accountant in 2003. With a career in government auditing that began in 1997, Byrd has over 28 years of experience uncovering misappropriated and wasted public funds across the state.
In 2019, she made history by becoming Oklahoma’s 13th State Auditor and Inspector—and the first woman ever elected to the position. Re-elected in 2022, Byrd continues to champion transparency and fiscal responsibility in state government. In 2023, she was honored with the Dr. Tom Coburn Transparency in Government Award, a recognition she holds in high regard.
Byrd’s philosophy on public service is clear: “I believe people own the government and government entities are just stewards of the people’s checkbook. And my role is to go and make sure those checkbooks are in order.”
In January 2025, Byrd filed her candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, reaffirming her commitment to making government more accountable and responsive to the people it serves.
Cindy Byrd was born and raised in Coalgate, Oklahoma, the daughter of Archie and Mary Eddings. She graduated from Coalgate High School and continues to reside in her hometown with her husband, Steve.
East Central University is proud to honor Cindy Byrd for her groundbreaking leadership, dedication to public service, and unwavering advocacy for financial accountability in government.