After graduating, Warren became the Planning Director for the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission and later became the program director for the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission. From 1982 to 1985, she worked as an administrative assistant for women's issues for Governor of Oklahoma George Nigh. She was later promoted by Governor Nigh to serve as his Senior Executive Assistant from 1985 to 1987. In that position, Warren was responsible for coordination and development of state policy for all intergovernmental activities, economic development, exports, reverse investments, international trade, overseas trade missions and public/private partnerships.
