September Membership Meeting Revisited — Soaring High — Unmanned Aerial Systems in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is at the forefront of workforce innovation and economic development, particularly in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Our latest event brought together industry experts to explore how Oklahoma can continue to lead in aerospace and emerging technologies. Attendees gained exclusive insights into workforce development initiatives, state-level incentives, and strategic industry opportunities.
If you weren’t there, here’s what you missed—and why you should attend future events!
Our conversation, moderated by Andy McMillan—Governance Chair of Select Oklahoma—featured an exceptional panel of experts:
- Ryan Stoddard — Boeing & Rose State College
- Douglas Wood — Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics
- Victoria Natalie — Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education
Our panelists discussed Oklahoma’s growing role in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and the efforts to expand the state’s workforce through innovation and industry collaboration.
Oklahoma’s Position as a Leader in Drone Workforce Readiness
Oklahoma earned the top spot for drone workforce readiness in 2022 and maintained a strong second-place ranking in 2023. This ranking highlights the state’s robust foundation in aerospace and emerging technologies, positioning it as a leader in the UAS sector.
The Importance of Collaborative Networks
Panelists emphasized the need for a tightly-knit network of stakeholders in the aerospace and UAS industries. As Ryan Stoddard noted, these industries “cannot exist in silos.” Leveraging these connections is essential for fostering growth, accelerating innovation, and strengthening the ecosystem. Moreover, Victoria Natalie emphasized the need to “fill all levels of the ecosystem” to ensure that the UAS industry develops holistically, with all stakeholders aligned toward mutual growth.
Opportunities in Drone Manufacturing
Douglas Wood pointed out that the global drone manufacturing market is “ripe for the taking.” According to the panelists, around 70% of the market is controlled by DGI, a Chinese UAS company, with a large portion dedicated to agricultural applications. Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to capture a significant share of this emerging market.
State Support for Drone Testing and Incentives
Establishing drone testing facilities is supported by a robust state-level framework, with incentives aligned with Oklahoma’s existing industries. These facilities are poised to spur job creation, economic development, and further investments in the UAS sector.
Drones Across Industries
Drones are already transforming and impacting healthcare, law enforcement, fire services, and public safety. During the panel discussion, speakers emphasized drones’ significant potential in Oklahoma’s public safety sector and noted their growing role in enhancing law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency response operations.
Workforce Development Initiatives
In alignment with this discussion, Representative Brian Hill, R-Mustang, spoke about his upcoming interim study presentation examining Oklahoma’s current and future workforce needs. The study focused on how industry leaders and state agencies collaborate to address workforce pipelines, which are crucial to the state’s long-term success. Representative Hill emphasized the importance of innovation in preparing Oklahoma to seize emerging opportunities. [Learn more here.]
What Attendees Gained
- Exclusive insights into Oklahoma’s competitive edge in aerospace and drone technology
- Actionable strategies for leveraging state-level support and incentives
- Real-world examples of how drones are transforming industries
This discussion reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving Oklahoma’s economic future.
New Members Spotlight
Our event reinforced the value of membership, providing attendees with tools and connections to drive innovation in Oklahoma’s economy. Following this event, we are thrilled to welcome over 20 new members to Select Oklahoma! Their commitment to advancing economic development strengthens our collective mission and amplifies our impact across the state.
Welcome to Our New Members!
- Cara Jane Evans — Francis Tuttle Technology Center
- Liz Leaming, CEcD —Ponca City Development Authority
- Jon Chiappe — Oklahoma Department of Commerce
- Amanda K. Davis, MPA, BBA — Grove Area Chamber
- Tracey LaGuardia-Romano, MEd — Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
- Daniel Johnson — Shawnee Forward
- Trey Ayers, CPM — Professional Engineering Consultants
- Zac Swartz — NextEra Energy Resources
- James Collard — Citizen Potawatomi Nation
- Vedrana Milakovic, MBA, CCS, CES, CZS — Citizen Potawatomi Nation
- Jim Cowan — Chickasha Economic Development Council
- Devin Martin — Farmrail System, Inc.
- Kian Kamas, CEcD — Valorem Public Private
- Kenneth Wimer — City of McAlester
- Kyle Gandy — City of Del City
- Vahid Farzaneh — Home Creations
- Heather Turner, MBA — Oklahoma Dept of Commerce
- Tim Bunson — Oklahoma Dept of Commerce
- Jim Fram, CEcD, CCE, FM — Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation
- Brandon Wall, P.E. — Wall Engineering LLC
Your passion and expertise are vital to shaping Oklahoma’s economic future!
If you’re eager to learn more, contribute ideas, or participate in future discussions and events, we invite you to apply for membership. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create meaningful opportunities for Oklahoma’s growth and development!
Take the next step—apply now and help shape what’s next for Oklahoma!