About Us

Deborah Moorad serves as the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce. She brings years of experience in entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and economic development to the state. As the founding CEO and owner of Jax XII Holdings, she helps innovators and companies scale through technology. Previously, she led multiple biotech companies through transformative growth, including serving as CEO of Nature Technology Corp. Under her leadership, NTC pioneered breakthrough gene therapy technologies, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Aldevron, a Danaher Company. She also played a pivotal role in post-merger operations for Dentsply Sirona following its $14.5 billion merger.

John brings a wealth of leadership experience to Commerce as CEO, having previously served as COO of the George Kaiser Family Foundation. He was Oklahoma’s inaugural Chief Operating Officer from 2019 to 2021, where he significantly improved government efficiency through strategic reforms and oversight of day-to-day operations. Before his state government role, John was Chief Strategy Officer at Sonic Drive-In and a Partner and Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group.

Christy is the Chief of Protocol and Diplomacy on our Global Recruiting Team. She focuses on research, international relations and trade, foreign direct investment and global economic development.

Leshia is the Director for Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense. Leshia works closely with Oklahoma aerospace companies and organizations to build collaboration and growth opportunities. She also leads delegations of Oklahoma aerospace entities to domestic and international trade shows.

A member of our Global Recruiting Team, Sarah is the Director of International Relations and Foreign Investment. She focuses on international relations and trade, foreign direct investment and global economic development. She works to grow relationships between Oklahoma and other nations in order to increase FDI opportunities in the state.