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Partner Directory

TIL is a collaborator across innovative sectors in northeast Oklahoma. This directory serves as a central hub for understanding partnerships, projects, and points of contact.

Tech Hubs Committee
BBBRC TRAM Leadership

Tech Hubs SteerCo

Aaron Baker

DronePort Network

Aaron Bean

Asemio

Astin Thomas

George Kaiser Family Foundation

Craig Mahaney

DronePort Network

Dave Rowland

Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

David Keely

University of Tulsa - Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute

Jake Cronin

inTulsa

Jamey Jacob

OAIRE, Oklahoma State University

Janet Pieren

Tulsa Economic Development Corporation

John Hale

University of Tulsa

Karen Pennington

Madison Strategies Group

Kristopher Copeland

Tulsa Community College

Laura Latta

Tulsa Higher Education Consortium

Libby Ediger

Atlas School

Michael Salazar

Microsoft

Pete Selden

Tulsa Community College

Randy Burke

Skyway Range

Roger Kelly

Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

Rose Gamble

University of Tulsa

Rose Washington-Jones

TEDC Creative Capital

Tyrance Billingsley II

Black Tech Street

Victoria Natalie

OAIRE, Oklahoma State University
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Director, Workforce & Talent

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Astin Thomas

George Kaiser Family Foundation

Astin is Risk Mitigation officer for Tech Hubs.

astin.thomas@gkff.org
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Malachi Blankenship

Director, Capital & Entrepreneurship

As director of capital and entrepreneurship, Malachi oversees our programs and initiatives that support a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. Malachi is a seasoned founder, investor and managing partner at ACT House and ACT Ventures, where he’s helped raise over $5M to support founders. With a focus on SaaS, digital health and more, he’s worked across Oklahoma’s startup ecosystem—from investing at i2E to co-founding a hospitality tech startup. He holds a degree and MBA from The University of Tulsa and is an active angel investor, community volunteer and mentor.

malachi@tulsainnovationlabs.com
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Lawrence Ganti

Director, Workforce & Talent

As director of workforce and talent and leader of the workforce intermediary, Lawrence oversees our efforts to build a regional talent pipeline driven by direct employer feedback and data. Lawrence is a senior operator with 30 years of experience leading organizations across the globe through transformations, transitions, and scale-ups. He has been a divisional CEO for Merck, where he led a team of 6,000 employees to deliver more than $2.5b in revenues. He has held leadership roles in Sales, Marketing, and Manufacturing with additional direct oversight for Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology. Lawrence has also been the CEO of multiple start-ups across Advanced Manufacturing, Cyber-AI Software, and Agri-Tech. As the President of SiO2 Material Science, he led the scale up of 5 automated manufacturing sites under the Trump Administration’s Operation Warp Speed Initiative, deploying $250 million of US Department of Defense funding for Covid-19 response. Throughout his career, Lawrence has raised over $1.2 billion from Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Government Grants. He has lived and run organizations in North America, South America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. Lawrence is the Entrepreneurial Leader in Residence at the World’s Leading educator for entrepreneurship – Babson College and is a Lead Mentor at Techstars and a Mentor at Endeavor. Lawrence calls Tulsa his home, where he aims to be a connector and facilitator in developing Tulsa into a future hub for Autonomous Systems, Cyber Security, Energy Tech, and Advanced Manufacturing.

lawrence@tulsainnovationlabs.com
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Alejandra Paloma

Senior Associate, Innovation Initiatives

As a senior associate of grants strategy & partnerships, Alejandra drives our approach to funding sources for programs and initiatives in the region. Prior to her role at TIL, she was a programs associate at TEDC Creative Capital, where she worked with small businesses and entrepreneurs start or expand a company through non-traditional lending programs. Alejandra holds a degree in Global Environmental Sustainability from Oral Roberts University and is deeply committed to promoting sustainable economic development in Tulsa.

alejandra@tulsainnovationlabs.com
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Tori Burris

Manager, Innovation Initiatives

As a manager of innovation initiatives, Tori helps drive strategy and success across the day-to-day execution of our initiatives and programs. Prior to joining TIL, Tori was on the original leadership team at Atlas School (previously Holberton Tulsa), a software engineering school in downtown Tulsa. She spent more than three years overseeing and representing the school's Career Services department to students, alumni, employers, and workforce partners while shaping the school’s approach to wholistic professional development. Tori previously worked on Route 66 Innovation at Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation. She is a graduate from the University of Tulsa with her M.B.A. and B.S.B.A in Business.

tori@tulsainnovationlabs.com
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Kenny Osborn

Manager, Innovation Initiatives

As a manager of innovation initiatives, Kenny helps drive strategy and success across the day-to-day execution of our initiatives and programs. He brings a wealth of experience in building systems, growing teams, and turning bold ideas into action. With a background spanning startups and global nonprofits, Kenny has led business development, operations, and go-to-market strategies to drive impact. He holds a Business Administration degree from Oklahoma State University and is a certified strategic planner through the Patterson Center.

kenny@tulsainnovationlabs.com
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Drew Kincius

Manager, Innovation Initiatives

As a manager of innovation initiatives, Drew helps drive strategy and success across the day-to-day execution of our initiatives and programs. Drew brings a strong entrepreneurial background to the team. He is the founder and CEO of Sprintable, and has served in numerous leadership and consulting roles focused on brand development, project management, entrepreneurship, and supporting the creative economy. Drew continues his work to support and empower small businesses to build strong foundations and scale with confidence through his leadership in programs like 1 Million Cups.

drew@tulsainnovationlabs.com
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Andrew Ralston

Tulsa Ports

Here are areas where I can help:

1. Regional and state connections

2. Industrial recruitment and development

3. Infrastructure development

andrew@tulsaports.com
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Brian Bigbie

Tulsa Ports

Here are areas where I can help:

1. Connections

2. Federal grant questions

3. Industrial development

4. Supply chain outlook

brian@tulsaports.com
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Hanchen Huang

Oklahoma State University
hanchen.huang@okstate.edu
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Emalee Hough

OAIRE, Oklahoma State University

Initiatives:

Launchpad Commercialization (TRAM)

Launchpad Fellowships (TRAM)

emalee.hough@okstate.edu
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Jacob Garrison

PartnerTulsa

Initiatives:

Community Engagement (TRAM)

jacob@partnertulsa.org
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Jeremy Fernandez

OAIRE, Oklahoma State University

Initiatives:

Launchpad Commercialization (TRAM)

Launchpad Fellowships (TRAM)

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jeremy.fernandez@okstate.edu
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James Spencer

OAIRE, Oklahoma State University

Initiatives:

Launchpad Commercialization (TRAM)

Launchpad Fellowship (TRAM)

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Here are areas where I can help:

1. Entrepreneurship  & Research Commercialization

2. Innovation Ecosystem Architecture and Innovation economy Asset Cultivation

3. OSU connections

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james.e.spencer@okstate.edu
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Kris Reynolds

Arrowhead Consulting

Initiatives:

Workforce Strategist (TRAM)

kreynolds@arrowheadconsulting.com
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Kuma Roberts

Arrowhead Consulting

Initiatives:

Workforce Strategist (TRAM)

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Here are areas where I can help:

1. Connections

2. Deep reach into community

3. Strategy

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kroberts@arrowheadconsulting.com
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Matt Litterell

Tulsa Tech

Initiatives:

Advanced Air Mobility Certificates (TRAM)

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Here are areas where I can help:

1. Connections

2. Facilities for meetings or training

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matt.litterell@tulsatech.edu
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Sharon Harrison

Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

Initiatives:

Registered Apprentice Program (TRAM)

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Here are areas where I can help:

1. Industry & Workforce Connections

2. Manufacturing

3. Qualitative Research & Ideation

4. Skills Framework

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sharon.harrison@okalliance.com
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Russell Goff

Osage LLC

Initiatives:

Skyway Range (TRAM)

Skyway Range Master Plan

rgoff@osagellc.com
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Rick Perrier

Osage LLC

Here are areas where I can help:

1. Military and aerospace guidance and connections

2. Tribal liaison

3. Sustainment and marketing

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rperrier@osagellc.com
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Victoria Natalie

OAIRE, Oklahoma State University

Initiatives:

Skyway Range (TRAM)

Launchpad Commercialization (TRAM)

Launchpad Fellowship (TRAM)

Supply Chain Analysis Program (TARMAC)

Green UAS Certification (ARC-H)

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Here are areas where I can help:

1. Guidance

2. Sustainability

3. OSU/OAIRE interface

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victoria.natalie@okstate.edu
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Michelle Barnett

PartnerTulsa

Initiatives:

Community Engagement (TRAM)

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Here are ways that I can help:

1. Community connections

2. Inclusive procurement/contracting

3. Economic ecosystem development

4. Grant writing

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michelle@partnertulsa.org
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Wilson Fram

INCOG
wfram@incog.org
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Tyrance Billingsley II

Black Tech Street

Initiatives:

AI/AS Program for Innovation, Research, and Education (G-ACE)

Microsoft Co-Innovation Lab (G-ACE)

Workforce Intermediary (ASWP)

tyrance@blacktechstreet.com
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Rose Washington-Jones

TEDC Creative Capital

Initiatives:

Secure Testing System (SAFE-T)

Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII)

Green UAS Certifications (ARC-H)

Skyway Business Development (SAFE-T)

Artificial Intelligence Minor (ASWP)

gamble@utulsa.edu
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Rose Gamble

University of Tulsa

Initiatives:

Green UAS Certifications (ARC-H)

Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII)

Secure Testing System (SAFE-T)

Skyway Range Business Development (SAFE-T)

Artificial Intelligence Minor (ASWP)

gamble@utulsa.edu
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Roger Kelly

Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance
roger.kelly@okalliance.com
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Justin Carpenter

Director of Innovation Initiatives

Justin Carpenter is joining TIL as the new Director of Innovation Initiatives. He’s spent over a decade starting and supporting ventures in Tulsa, mostly in hospitality, tech, and consumer goods. A big believer in building things that last, Justin’s excited to help grow the kind of infrastructure that makes Tulsa a great place to launch and scale big ideas.

jcarpenter@tulsainnovationlabs.com
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Randy Burke

Skyway Range

Initiatives:

Skyway Range (TRAM)

Skyway Range Business Development (SAFE-T)

Secure Testing System (SAFE-T)

rburke@skywayrange.com
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Pete Selden

Tulsa Community College

Initiatives:

Advanced Air Mobility Certificates (TRAM)

College Park Engineering Pathways (TRAM)

Tulsa Stackable Credential Micro-Pathway (ASWP)

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Here are ways that I can help:

  1. Skills development and training
  2. Short-term programs
  3. The landscape of higher education
  4. Curriculum development
  5. Microcredentials
peter.selden@tulsacc.edu
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Michael Salazar

Microsoft

Initiative:

AI/AS Program for Innovation, Research, and Education (G-ACE)

michael.salazar@microsoft.com
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Laura Latta

Tulsa Higher Education Consortium

Tech Hubs Initiative:

Tech Hub Talent Training (T3)

Workforce Intermediary

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Here are ways I can help:

  1. Higher education insights, data, and best practices
llatta@tulsahighered.com
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Libby Ediger

Atlas School

Tech Hubs Initiative:

Tulsa Career Advancement Program

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Here are ways I can help:

  1. Training in software development
  2. Machine learning
  3. Embedded systems engineering
  4. Ready-to-hire graduates
  5. Custom course work development
libby.ediger@atlasschool.com
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Kristopher Copeland

Tulsa Community College

Tech Hubs Initiative:

Tulsa Stackable Credential Micro-Pathway

kristopher.copeland@tulsacc.edu
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Karen Pennington

Madison Strategies Group

Tech Hubs Initiative:

Recruitment and Wraparounds

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Here are ways I can help:

1. Workforce development strategies targeting entry-level and mid-level residents

2. Including training design, recruitment, and employer engagement strategies

3. I am good at providing direct feedback as to concept and data clarity and communication as well

kpennington@madisonstrategies.org
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John Hale

University of Tulsa

Tech Hubs Initiative:

Artificial Intelligence Minor

john-hale@utulsa.edu
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Janet Pieren

Tulsa Economic Development Corporation

Tech Hubs Initiative:

Strategic Small Business Lending Consortium

Technical Assistance Program

Microsoft Co-Innovation Lab

janet@tedcnet.com
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Jamey Jacob

OAIRE, Oklahoma State University

Initiatives:

Skyway Range (TRAM)

Launchpad Commercialization (TRAM)

Launchpad Fellowship (TRAM)

Supply Chain Analysis Program (TARMAC)

Green UAS Certification (ARC-H)

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Here are ways that I can help:

  1. Research expertise
  2. Passion for students and workforce development
  3. I know things
jdjacob@okstate.edu
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Jake Cronin

inTulsa

Tech Hubs Initiative:

Labor Market Observatory

jake.cronin@intulsa.com
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David Keely

University of Tulsa - Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute

Tech Hubs Initiatives:

Green UAS Certifications

Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute

Secure Testing System

dak9339@utulsa.edu
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Dave Rowland

Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

Tech Hubs Initiatives:

Supply Chain Analysis Program

Technical Assistance Program

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Here are ways that I can help:

Anything manufacturing

dave.rowland@okalliance.com
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Craig Mahaney

DronePort Network

Tech Hubs Initiative:

Secure Testing System

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Here are ways I can help:

All things autonomy

cmahaney@droneports.net
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Aaron Bean

Asemio

Tech Hubs Initiative:

Labor Market Observatory

aaron@asemio.com
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Aaron Baker

DronePort Network

Tech Hubs Initiative:

Secure Testing System

abaker@droneports.net
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