Our team of economic development specialists strengthens Oklahoma communities by recruiting a diverse portfolio of industries to the state. We work directly with Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) from across Oklahoma to prepare site selection proposals and win projects that will create new jobs and investments.
Commerce’s Business Development team is aligned with our sector-based recruitment of economic development projects.
Leadership
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.
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, 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.
Business Attraction
Aerospace + Defense and ACES Program
The ACES program is a comprehensive approach to recruiting and retaining and expanding Oklahoma’s aerospace industry.
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.
International Relations + Foreign Investment
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.
Oklahoma Film + Music Office
The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) strives to grow the film and music industries statewide.
Regional Development Team
Small Business + Startup Team
