MEMBERSHIP MEETING RECAP — CHARTING OKLAHOMA’S WORKFORCE FUTURE
May 13, 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the May Membership Meeting: “Charting Oklahoma’s Workforce Future.” Kyla Guyette—Oklahoma’s inaugural Chief Workforce Officer and CEO of the Oklahoma Workforce Commission—opened by outlining how the Commission, established by Senate Bill 621 in 2023 and governed by nine private-sector appointees, replaces today’s fragmented approach with one unified, data-driven workforce strategy.
Kyla then laid out three strategic pillars. First, Smart, Targeted Growth: partnering with the Department of Commerce to concentrate resources where “Oklahoma can own these things and win,” rather than spreading efforts too thin. Second, Data Transparency & Predictive Analytics: launching a public dashboard—updated daily—to aggregate workforce metrics, apply machine learning forecasts (for example, anticipating needs when “Company X lands in Lawton”), and track progress toward goals like 45,000 net inward migrants and a 65 percent labor-force participation rate. Third, Agile Innovation Funding: maintaining a ready pool of seed money so promising initiatives can be piloted immediately, without waiting on traditional grant cycles.
She then dove into education and training reforms designed to close skills gaps: competency-based bachelor’s degrees that allow students to master skills at their own pace; STEM-ready and career-ready K–12 tracks to reduce the seven-in-ten freshman remediation rate; an expanded Career Launch Revolving Fund; and scaled apprenticeship programs. Kyla introduced Oklahoma Opportunity Centers—multi-service hubs combining daycare, simulator labs, and training facilities under one roof to unite these efforts.
Recognizing the need to attract and retain talent, she also unveiled a proposed $25 million marketing campaign to raise Oklahoma’s profile, support net migration targets, and bolster economic growth. Throughout, Kyla emphasized the necessity of “boots-on-the-ground feedback,” inviting members to weigh in on priorities ranging from living-wage metrics to inclusive childcare solutions.
Look for Kyla and her team’s upcoming statewide visits. These community engagements will be your chance to learn more, share your ideas, and help implement these strategies as we build a stronger workforce future for Oklahoma!
Moreover, 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 opportunities for Oklahoma’s growth and development!
Take the next step—apply now and help shape what’s next for Oklahoma!
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Supporting a healthy economy for the State of Oklahoma through legislative advocacy, education, training and development, professional collaboration, and supporting statewide efforts to recruit and retain primary jobs and capital investment.