Getting to Know Your Blaine County Assessor, Misty Kitson A Commitment to Blaine County Misty Kitson is proud to serve as the Blaine County Assessor, bringing a strong work ethic, a commitment to continued education, and a genuine passion for serving the citizens of Blaine County. Born and raised in Watonga, Oklahoma, Misty graduated from Watonga High School in 1998 and attended Redlands Community College. In 2002, she had the opportunity to apprentice under Pat Thompson, earning her barber license in 2004. Over the years, Misty has built a diverse professional background that has given her valuable experience in both the public and private sectors. Her career has included working as a hairstylist, law office assistant, hospital administrative assistant, contract oilfield operator, high school secretary, and field appraiser. Each of those roles taught her something different—how to work with people, adapt to change, solve problems, and appreciate the value of a hard day’s work. From Field Appraiser to County Assessor Misty began her career with the Blaine County Assessor’s Office in May 2021 as a field appraiser. She quickly embraced the opportunity to learn the many responsibilities of the office, completing Oklahoma Tax Commission accreditation courses and earning both her initial and advanced accreditation in August 2021. With a desire to serve Blaine County in an even greater capacity, Misty made the decision to run for County Assessor in April 2022. She took office in 2023 and has continued to make education and professional development a priority each year since. Misty believes continued education is essential to providing taxpayers with knowledgeable, accurate, and professional service. She plans to continue expanding her training through IAAO courses and other educational opportunities, bringing that knowledge and experience back to the office and, most importantly, to the citizens she serves. For Misty, learning the job is never really finished—and she believes that is exactly how public service should be. A Life of Hard Work and Entrepreneurship Hard work and entrepreneurship have long been part of Misty’s life. She has owned two businesses of her own and also supported her husband, Steve, in his contract field operator business, which he operated from 2006 until its closing in 2025. Those experiences gave Misty a firsthand understanding of the dedication, long hours, challenges, responsibilities, and pride that come with owning and operating a business in Oklahoma. They also strengthened her appreciation for the hardworking families, farmers, ranchers, business owners, and taxpayers who make up the communities of Blaine County. Family, Community & Life Outside the Office While Misty is dedicated to serving Blaine County, some of her most treasured roles have nothing to do with property records or valuations. She is a wife, a mother of three children and three stepchildren, and a very proud Mimi to nine beautiful grandchildren. Outside the office, Misty enjoys spending time with family and friends and making memories wherever life takes them. She enjoys fishing, horseback riding, shopping, decorating, and finding something old that just needs a little imagination—and maybe a little work—to be given new life. If you’re looking for Misty outside the office, chances are you’ll find her enjoying some of life’s simplest pleasures: a quiet cup of coffee on the porch, hummingbirds fluttering nearby, horses in the pasture, or one of those colorful Oklahoma sunsets that makes you stop for a moment and simply take it all in. She’s also not afraid to get her hands a little dirty working in the yard or tending to her flower beds. There is something rewarding about watching the bright colors and beauty that come from a little time, patience, and care. She enjoys being near the water, cheering on a good rodeo, and proudly supporting her OSU Cowboys. But more than anything, Misty treasures time spent with family and the memories they make together. When the holidays arrive, her love of family, tradition, decorating, and making home feel special truly shines. Christmas is a favorite—and one Christmas tree is rarely enough. She loves filling her home with the warmth, color, traditions, and memories of the season. For Misty, many of life’s greatest blessings are also the simplest: family gathered together, grandchildren filling the house, flowers in bloom, hummingbirds on the porch, horses in the pasture, an Oklahoma sunset, and the memories made along the way. Serving Blaine County with Pride Misty is honored to serve the people of Blaine County and is committed to approaching her role as County Assessor with professionalism, integrity, warmth, positivity, and a genuine passion for public service. She believes being a County Assessor is about much more than numbers, valuations, and property records. It is about people—being accessible to the community, listening to taxpayers, continuing to learn, supporting her staff, and working hard every day to do the job correctly and fairly. Misty also believes county government should be willing to grow and adapt. She is committed to incorporating new programs, technology, and innovative tools that can improve efficiency, accuracy, accessibility, and service to the public. Just as importantly, she believes employees should have the training, resources, and support they need to confidently use those advancements and continue providing the level of service Blaine County citizens deserve. At the end of the day, Misty’s approach to public service is much like her approach to life: work hard, keep learning, treat people well, appreciate the simple things, and never forget the community and people you are there to serve. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve the county she has always called home and looks forward to continuing to work for the citizens of Blaine County with pride, dedication, and heart.