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Oshkosh

Oklahoma has a legacy of aerospace innovation and success dating back more than 100 years, with pioneers like Wiley Post, who launched his career of exploring the limits of high-altitude, long-distance flight in our state. Today, some of the world’s most successful aerospace companies operate in Oklahoma. 

Meet the Oklahoma Team

Oklahoma is committed to helping your company achieve success in our state. The Oklahoma Team offers the highest quality, one-stop professional assistance to make that happen.

Leshia Pearson
Director of Aerospace + Defense
Brent Wright
Brent Wright, Brigadier General, USAF (Ret.)
Strategic Advisor, Aerospace + Defense
Grayson Ardies
Grayson Ardies
Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Executive Director
Sandra Shelton
Sandra Shelton
Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Director of Government Affairs, Industry Development and Communications

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Learn more about Oklahoma’s Aerospace & Defense industry and why aerospace companies choose Oklahoma. 

Premier Sponsor: OG&E

Friday, July 25 at noon
Pober Pixie Tent, EAA Grounds

Join the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics and our community partners for lunch during the 2025 EAA Airventure Fly-in.

Keynote Speaker:
Oshkosh Airboss Kellie Hudson

Gold Sponsors
Covington Aircraft

Silver Sponsors
Duncan Machine Products

Bronze Sponsors
ASAP Energy, Inc.
General Aviation Modifications, Inc.

Oshkosh 2025 Partner Directory

Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics

Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics

Sandra Shelton, Director of Government Affairs, Industry Development and Communications
sandra.shelton@aerospace.ok.gov
oklahoma.gov/aerospace

The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics serves as the lead government agency to support, promote, and advocate for the state’s second largest industry, aviation and aerospace. This includes providing funding, planning, programming and engineering expertise for Oklahoma’s airports and aviation infrastructure as well as ensuring the viability of the aerospace industry.

The agency is responsible for the administration and/or coordination of a statewide system of airports, cooperating with and assisting local, state, and federal authorities in the development of aviation infrastructure and facilities. Also housing the UAS/AAM Program Office established by the Oklahoma legislature in 2021.

Grow Ada logo

Grow Ada

Carol Ervin, CEO / President of Grow Ada
cervin@growada.com
www.growada.com

Grow Ada drives economic development in Ada, Oklahoma, by supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce growth. Key partners include the City of Ada, the Chickasaw Nation, East Central University, and Pontotoc Technology Center. In aeronautics, Grow Ada supports the new 250 acre industrial park at the Ada Regional Airport which focuses on aviation and the development of a growing aerospace sector. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, Grow Ada integrates aeronautics into the local economy, boosting job creation and positioning Ada as a hub for rural technological innovation.

Ardmore Development Authority logo

Ardmore Development Authority

Dan Luttrell, Airport Director, VP of Industrial Assets
dluttrell@ardmore.org 
www.ardmoredevelopment.com

The Ardmore Development Authority offers a single point of contact for information, proposals, planning, and site assistance for new and existing industry in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Because we own three industrial parks and several single sites and buildings, we have both the power and incentive to negotiate favorable terms for expanding companies.

Situated between Dallas and Oklahoma City, Ardmore is the ideal choice for distribution, warehouse and manufacturing operations. With direct access to Interstate 35, travel and shipment of goods to destinations around the country, as well as Canada and Mexico, are possible.

 

City of Elk City logo

City of Elk City

Elesia Church, Grant Writer/Admmin
lisa@swoda.org
www.elkcity.com

Elk City, situated in western Oklahoma within Beckham County, is a thriving community with convenient transportation access. Interstate 40 runs along the city’s southern edge, while Highway 6 divides it north and south. According to the 2020 Census, Elk City has a population of 11,561 residents and 4,896 households.

Located just 22 miles from the Oklahoma Air & Space Port and Aerospace Industrial Park, Elk City continues to enhance its infrastructure. The city is currently completing a state-of-the-art terminal and a 100×150 hangar designed specifically for jet storage, further supporting its aviation and economic development initiatives.

Consolidated Turbine Specialists Kratos logo

Consolidated Turbine Specialists

Keith Rash, Director of Sales and Marketing
keith.rash@kratosdefense.com
ctsturbines.com

Consolidated Turbines Specialists accomplishes overhauls, repairs and maintenance on Pratt and Whitney PT6A and PT6T engines. We are located in Bristow, OK.

Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport

Caden Young, Airport Director
cyoung@cityofguthrie.com
guthrieedmondregionalairport.com

Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport (KGOK) is a top-tier general aviation airport conveniently located near I-35, serving the Guthrie and Edmond communities. Established in 1941 and jointly operated by the cities of Guthrie and Edmond since 2004, KGOK offers exceptional FBO services, professional flight training, and experienced maintenance and avionics support. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, Guthrie-Edmond Regional Airport is your trusted destination for quality aviation services.

enid regional development alliance logo

Enid Regional Development Alliance

Marcie Mack, Executive Director
marcie@growenid.com
www.growenid.com

The Enid Regional Development Alliance (ERDA) is a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to ensuring the economic prosperity of Enid, Oklahoma, and the surrounding region. ERDA supports business retention and expansion, recruits new businesses and talent, and champions quality of life initiatives to make the region a thriving place to work, grow, and live. By fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging strategic partnerships, ERDA plays a vital role in creating sustainable growth and enhancing the region’s appeal to employers, entrepreneurs, and families alike. Its mission is to drive progress and prosperity throughout the Enid area.

El Reno Airport Logo

El Reno Airport

Scott Law, Airport Manager
slaw@elrenook.gov
www.flyrqo.com

El Reno Regional Airport (RQO) is a general aviation (GA) airport located about five miles southwest of El Reno, Oklahoma. This airport is a vital entity for the local community and the broader Canadian County area, offering a range of services and activities that cater to diverse needs. The airport features two runways: a 5,600-foot concrete runway with runway lighting and a precision approach on 17/35 and a 4,630-foot turf runway, @ 150’ wide, accommodating various aircraft from small private planes to the larger business jets.

Monday, July 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Skyscape Theater – EAA Aviation Museum

Join the Oklahoma delegation for an exclusive
preview of this groundbreaking documentary
at EAA AirVenture.

“Inside the Sky” charts the history and growth of the Oklahoma Aerospace Industry, from wooden biplanes to the B2 bomber and the State Spaceport. This groundbreaking documentary was produced during the pandemic and shows the growth and adaptation of this incredible group of people and their aircraft during this time.

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