Commerce is a trusted government agency that partners with businesses and communities for strategic and sustainable growth and success, moving Oklahoma forward to becoming a top ten state.
As a result of SB 1447 (2024 Oklahoma Legislative Session), Commerce has recently restructured to focus on two key areas of focus: Community Outreach & Revitalization Enterprise (CORE) and Economic Development, Growth & Expansion (EDGE).
Mission Statement: To cultivate environments and relationships that foster economic growth
Executive Leadership
Deborah Moorad
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 Budd
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.
Heather Turner
Executive Director of CORE
Heather earned her MBA from Oklahoma State University and is an experienced economic, business and community developer. She previously served as the president and CEO of the Jenks Chamber of Commerce. Heather is also a successful multi-site, multi-city business owner, regular speaker and published author.
Barbra Coffee
Barbra Coffee, a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), is the Executive Director of the EDGE division at Commerce and a board member for the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. As the former Director of Economic Initiatives for the City of Tucson, she facilitated over 7,000 new jobs and $2 billion in capital investment from companies like Raytheon and American Battery Factory. Her extensive background also includes leading high-profile recruitment in advanced manufacturing and professional sports for the City of Henderson, Nevada.
Tim Bunson
Prior to joining Commerce, Tim served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma. Tim earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University and a J.D. from the University of Oklahoma.
CORE – Community Outreach & Revitalization Enterprise
Community Development
Responsible for investing state and federal funds into a wide array of public projects to ensure communities are business-ready; partners with local governments, councils of government and nonprofits to fund programs to improve the vitality of communities and increase growth potential; administers programs including senior nutrition, home weatherization, commercial energy efficiency, as well as municipal projects.
Oklahoma Main Street Center
Responsible for supporting communities through historic preservation, downtown revitalization efforts and powerful economic stimulation to restore the core assets of communities and enhance the quality of life for Oklahomans; part of the National Main Street Program.
Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Responsible for growing the film and music industry statewide through support and connecting local, national and international filmmakers with Oklahoma’s skilled crew, talent, production services and diverse locations.
Small Business + Startups
Provides counsel and network of support for entrepreneurs, small business owners and incubators.
Cathy Curtis
Regional Development Team
Dedicated to providing the support and tools necessary for Oklahoma companies to grow and thrive; offers hands-on assistance as well as referrals to resource and program providers to support businesses statewide.
EDGE – Economic Development Growth & Expansion
Business Recruitment
Works with companies, both in-state and out-of-state, and internationally, to increase jobs and investment in the state; acts as convener for interested parties to efficiently bring new economic opportunities to Oklahoma.
Tina Lindsay Brown
Aerospace + Defense and ACES Program
Established by House Bill 2578 in 2018 to create and nurture a common statewide strategy for growth of the Oklahoma’s Aerospace and Defense Industry and support existing businesses; responsible for promoting and supporting aerospace workforce growth; works to create an environment to attract startups of advanced technologies; positions Oklahoma as the center of excellence in the aerospace and defense sector.
Rob Wilcox, Chief Petty Officer, Navy (Ret.)
International Trade, Relations & Protocol
Oklahoma Commerce’s Global Engagement Team promotes the state as a location for foreign direct investment and assists Oklahoma companies seeking to expand through exporting. The team serves as the primary liaison for foreign dignitaries and international delegations engaging with Oklahoma commerce, supports international business and government officials, and coordinates state missions abroad in support of Oklahoma business.
Sarah Short
Research & Economic Analysis Services
Provides support to Commerce, communities and statewide partners with data for recruitment efforts, as well as manages numerous incentive programs; serves as the official liaison for state to Census Bureau; responsible for state and federal economic impact analyses.
Aldwyn Sappleton
Shared Services
Marketing & Communications
Provides support to Commerce, communities and statewide partners with data for recruitment efforts, as well as manages numerous incentive programs; serves as the official liaison for state to Census Bureau; responsible for state and federal economic impact analyses.
Stefanie Appleton
Public Information
Acts as media contact and manages open records requests; engages directly with executive branch to provide support; promotes Commerce efforts and programs through media channels.
Human Resources
Provides human resources support to meet agency goals and needs.
Icelyn Taylor
Legislative
