Rebecca is passionate about helping people and having a positive impact on the world. Her role as the Executive Director, Workforce and Economic Development allows her to do just that! With over 30 years of experience in training and employee development, Rebecca started her career in the hospitality industry. She has worked for organizations such as American General Hospitality, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts and the five-star, five-diamond Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Prior to Meridian, Rebecca was on faculty at Oklahoma State University and served as the Director for the Center for the Future of Work. Rebecca holds a Ph.D. in Human Sciences from OSU where she also earned a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. She has a master’s degree in Human Relations and Employee Development and graduate certificate in Economic Development from the University of Oklahoma.

As a Project Manager for Film and Special Projects at Meridian Technology Center, Cara Adney is leading the school’s efforts to build a workforce that can support Oklahoma’s growing TV and film production industry. With more than 13 years of communications and marketing experience, Cara has a strategic mindset on how to reach audiences where they are. She is a creative thinker and a problem solver who specializes in content creation and media relations across a variety of platforms. Cara’s areas of specialization include communications, marketing, public relations, and social media.

Chance conducts safety trainings for employees of various companies throughout Meridian’s district. He believes that safety should not be overlooked, and his goal is to make safety principles second nature for those he trains.

Before coming to Meridian, Chance served nine years in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he worked in law enforcement. He was an instructor for most of those years, and his specialty is active shooter/workplace violence preparation.

Chance’s certifications also include OSHA 10-30hr General Industry, Hearing Conservation (COHC) and ETC Safeland Trainer.

Pat works with business and industry clients to identify potential tax incentives, grants, engineering support, supplier scouting, international trade assistance, government contracting, quality management system implementation as well as training and development needs throughout their organizations. The primary focus is to assist businesses with their growth.

Pat’s professional background includes over 33 years of experience in a variety of senior-level engineering projects, strategic product planning, new product development processes and procedures, quality control and manufacturing roles in the aerospace, defense, and marine and boating industries. Pat holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and a master of science in engineering mechanics from The University of Alabama. Additionally, Pat is a certified green belt in lean six sigma, a black belt in innovation engineering and a technical expert in Theory of Constraints Project Management.

Holly provides support for technical and apprenticeship training as well as executive leadership within the Workforce & Economic Development Team by managing registrations, materials and reporting. She provides exceptional communication and organization skills and is passionate about identifying fresh new approaches to traditional training challenges. Holly’s background includes 17 years of experience at Stillwater Public Schools, and she is excited to bring her enthusiasm and attention to detail to the business clients at Meridian Technology Center.

Julie works with local manufacturing and industrial businesses to provide technical training. She provides training solutions to assist with technical skill development, quality process improvements and production efficiencies. Julie also leads efforts for Lunchtime Learning events on Meridian’s South Campus in Guthrie and is a liaison for Meridian to the agricultural business community in the Meridian district.

Prior to joining the Meridian Technology Center WED team, Julie spent time managing her own consulting business as well as 13 years in the CareerTech system in roles related to marketing, public relations, agri-business, training coordination and entrepreneurial services.

Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University as well as an MBA with a marketing emphasis from Oklahoma Christian University.

Marcy works with businesses and organizations of all kinds to meet their goals through training and other educational opportunities for their greatest asset … their human resources. Her areas of expertise include personal effectiveness and time management, playing to your strengths, communication skills and team dynamics.

Marcy holds a bachelor’s in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University, and she is a certified facilitator and trainer for FranklinCovey, Gallup’s StrengthsQuest assessment, Development Dimensions International, AchieveGlobal and Myers Briggs Type Indicator.

Nathan helps industry by training and informing employees about safety and health on and off the job. He has 19 years of safety experience in retail, heavy equipment, light and heavy manufacturing, and the oil and gas industries.

Nathan’s credentials include Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO) in General Industry and Construction, ETC Safeland Trainer, Specialist in Safety and Health (SSH) in General Industry and Construction Industry and Hearing Conservation (COHC).

With both his personal and professional experience, he is able to help businesses integrate a safety culture into normal day-to-day operations. He is passionate about helping all employees return home safely to their families at the end of a day’s work.

Debbra supports the Business and Industry Services team through her management of enrollments, instructional materials, contracts and reporting. Her contributions are critical to the success of the team as she equips instructors, students and staff with the information and resources necessary to provide efficient, successful training.

Debbra’s background includes experience in the legal field as well as spending 12 years with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. Her strengths in relationship building and executing play a pivotal role in the success of day-to-day operations.

As a Computer Training Coordinator, Randall works with businesses and individuals to assist them in meeting their needs for training in a variety of computer areas. His areas of expertise include computer hardware and peripherals, a wide range of computer applications including the Microsoft Office Suite, Windows Operating Systems and many of the Google products.

Randall holds a bachelor’s in horticulture from Oklahoma State University along with an associate degree in information technology from Northern Oklahoma College. He has been with Meridian Technology Center since 2010 and has served as an Information Systems Technician, Computer Training Specialist and as eLearning & Instructional Technology Coordinator. Randall also has been a small business owner for over 25 years and has extensive knowledge in printer repair, maintenance and supplies.

Joe leads the apprenticeship training efforts for Meridian’s district and serves as a liaison between full-time training programs and industry apprenticeship opportunities in the Meridian district. Joe believes that the key to successful apprenticeship experiences is a mutually beneficial opportunity for apprentices, employers and educators.

Before joining the Workforce and Economic Development team, Joe served as a welding instructor for 13 years. His professional background includes over 25 years of owning and managing a manufacturing business and welding inspection services, as well as managing their family beef cow/calf operations.

Joe holds a bachelor’s and master’s in animal science from Oklahoma Panhandle State University and Oklahoma State University respectively. Additionally, he acquired a master’s in Education Leadership from East Central University and holds a principal certification through the Oklahoma Department of Education. Joe holds industry certifications for welder, educator and inspector through the Oklahoma Department of Labor and the American Welding Society.

Marquita serves as the Administrative Professional for the Workforce and Economic Development safety team. Using her 39 years of administrative experience, she arranges training and ensures the safety team has the resources they need.

Before joining Meridian, Marquita worked at Francis Tuttle Technology Center and Meridian’s South Campus. She uses her attention to detail and interpersonal skills to support Meridian’s mission of enriching lives.