Amy Walton is the Director of Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives for the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology. She is the key strategic advisor to the Executive Director. In addition, to helping Oklahoma business become more competitive in the global marketplace OCAST and their strategic partners provide assistance for concept development, prototyping and seed capital for innovative firms in the development of new products or services helping to fuel Oklahoma’s innovation ecosystem. Previously Amy worked in non-profit as the Director of Business Development working to advance strategic plans, protect agency interests and increase funding. Prior to receiving her master’s degree, from the University of Oklahoma she oversaw international programs for healthcare professionals in South and Central America, Europe, and the Middle East. Mrs. Walton has served on numerous statewide coalitions and boards. In 2022 she was one of thirty-three recognized in Oklahoma’s most Powerful and Innovative Women List. In 2021 and 2019 Amy was awarded Oklahoma’s 50 Women Making a Difference. In 2021 she received Legislative Advocate of the Year from Clean Cities for her work in transportation. This was the first time the award had ever been given to a non-legislator. In 2021 she was appointed to the Hydrogen Task Force under Secretary of Energy and the Advanced Mobility Council under Secretary of Transportation. These two Councils are critical to economic development of innovative advanced technologies for Oklahoma. The more than 20 years’ experience in business development has enabled her to work directly with the legislature, local government, business leaders and various state and national stakeholders to grow the states innovation economy.