2026 Award Nominees

Randall Fisher exemplifi es leadership, service, and dedication through his commitment to advancing fi refi ghter training across rural Oklahoma. A retired firefighter, he continues to invest in the next generation by mentoring and training firefighters, many of whom serve as volunteers with limited resources.

Recognizing financial barriers faced by rural departments, Randall has worked intently to make high-quality training accessible at little to no cost. Calling upon his strong community relationships, he collaborated with local fire stations to secure donated gear, engaged experienced fi re chiefs to provide training at minimal cost, and secured grant funding to offset expenses.

Through these efforts, Central Tech successfully hosted 16 OSUFST certifi cation classes totaling 354 training hours. Programs originally valued at over $100,000 were more than 85% funded, saving volunteer fi refi ghters over $90,000 while ensuring access to critical certifications. Randall’s innovative problem-solving and unwavering commitment have transformed limited resources into meaningful opportunities. His work has strengthened rural fi re departments, expanded access to essential training, and made a lasting impact on the communities Central Tech serves.

randall.fisher@centraltech.edu

James has quickly established himself as a dynamic and forward-thinking professional

at Gordon Cooper Technology Center. He has expanded opportunities within the district by partnering with RocketCert to bring continuing education and journeyman test preparation to the area, while also working with industry partners to support apprenticeship programs and industrial training.

Known for his solutions-oriented mindset, James actively seeks new partnerships, including collaboration with OSU-IT, to strengthen workforce development efforts. He

has also taken a leading role in advancing artifi cial intelligence adoption and training

at GCTC. His expertise has encouraged others to explore and utilize AI in their daily

work, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Most notably, his training on NotebookLM has been highly successful, equipping staff

and clients with practical tools and a deeper understanding of human-in-the-loop

applications of AI. James continues to grow professionally, attending events such as

GoogleNext and the Oklahoma AI Luminary Conference, and supporting the Google AI Career Certificates initiative through GCTC’s partnership with Google and Coursera. A collaborative team player and emerging leader, James is helping guide meaningful change and innovation across the organization.

jamesg@gctech.edu

Brook Lindsay has demonstrated exceptional initiative, versatility, and commitment since joining the Business and Industry Services team. She consistently brings a broad range of skills and resources to effectively meet the evolving needs of industry and community partners. Her expertise in marketing design and branding has directly supported multiple small businesses, helping strengthen their identities, expand visibility, and improve overall market presence.

Beyond her professional role, Brook is deeply engaged in community leadership. She actively serves on several nonprofit and education boards, including the Pioneer Tech Foundation Board, and previously served as Chair of the Leadership Ponca City program. She also plays a key role in organizing and supporting high-impact fundraising events, where her strategic planning and organizational skills consistently drive strong results.

Brook is widely recognized as a problem solver who willingly steps into complex

situations and delivers practical, effective solutions. She serves as a connector of people, ideas, and resources, often dedicating time beyond normal work hours to ensure success. Her involvement with PACE through both the Professional Development and Conference Planning Committees further reflects her commitment to growth, collaboration, and excellence. Brook’s initiative, leadership, and service make her a valuable asset to her organization and community.

brookl@pioneertech.edu

Danielle Marlin has quickly distinguished herself as an energetic and forward-thinking professional at Northeast Tech. In her role as Ag Business Development Coordinator Trainer, she has strengthened connections between agricultural businesses, workforce needs, and training opportunities, creating meaningful impact early in her CareerTech career.

Danielle consistently demonstrates a proactive approach to workforce development by identifying emerging trends in agriculture and translating them into practical, high-impact training solutions. Her work ensures that programs remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with the evolving needs of both students and industry partners.

A key strength of Danielle’s leadership is her ability to build strong relationships. She collaborates effectively with instructors, business partners, and community stakeholders, fostering trust and ensuring programs deliver real-world value. Her professionalism, reliability, and enthusiasm make her a respected and trusted partner. Danielle is also committed to continuous improvement, actively seeking feedback, embracing professional growth opportunities, and stepping into challenges beyond her formal role. Her passion for CareerTech and agricultural workforce development is evident in all aspects of her work. Danielle represents the future of CareerTech leadership, and her contributions are already making a lasting impact.

danielle.marlin@netech.edu

Sharla McMillin brings valuable industry experience and instructional leadership to Workforce and Economic Development, delivering high-quality healthcare training aligned with current workforce needs. She began her CareerTech journey as an adjunct instructor before becoming the program’s first full-time health instructor. Her industry background allows her to deliver instruction that is both practical and aligned with current workforce needs.

Sharla has led extensive curriculum development in Canvas and teaches a wide range of programs, including Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, CNA, MAT, EKG, CPR, IV Therapy, and Nurse Refresher. New WED health programs are often piloted through her first, reflecting her expertise and commitment to quality. Known for her student-centered approach, Sharla builds strong, supportive relationships that contribute to exceptional retention rates. When students do withdraw, it is typically due to circumstances beyond their control. Her dedication to student success is further demonstrated by a 99% certification pass rate across her programs.

In addition to her instructional role, Sharla mentors new adjunct instructors, serving as a subject matter expert and resource in both healthcare training and Canvas development. Her leadership, compassion, and measurable results make her a highly deserving Emerging New Professional.

smcmillin@sotech.edu

Lacy Lacefield has demonstrated sustained leadership and forward-thinking practices in postsecondary CTE by redesigning adult health programs to remove access barriers while maintaining academic rigor and workforce relevance. As the FLEX Health Coordinator, she oversees short-term adult health programs, including curriculum development, staff supervision, student advising, and industry alignment. She manages

ten concurrent, rolling-start courses with weekly entry points, expanding access for working adults while ensuring consistent quality.

Lacy has led student-centered improvements that transformed program delivery, including flexible enrollment models, redesigned curricula with required in-person lab practice, scenario-based training aligned to state certification standards, and group skill check-offs that promote accountability among online learners. To strengthen engagement, she developed a centralized student tracking system that enables instructors to monitor progress, identify barriers early, and provide targeted support. These efforts have improved communication, persistence, and completion, particularly for nontraditional adult learners. Her leadership is grounded in coaching and equity. She supports instructors, advocates for students, and collaborates with workforce partners to strengthen healthcare pathways. With over 20 years of nursing experience, Lacy brings clinical expertise and a systems-focused approach to advancing adult workforce education and the mission of Oklahoma PACE.

lacey.lacefield@cvtech.edu

Jim Lawson played a key role in developing a collaborative model that brought together a full-time program, its students, and instructor to train an adult short-term class during regular school hours. This creative use of existing resources demonstrates Jim’s innovative thinking and dedication to CTE. This approach created a unique, dual-benefit learning environment in which both high school and adult learners gained valuable, hands-on experience while working toward certification requirements. By integrating these groups, Jim maximized available resources while enhancing the educational experience for all participants.

The program focused on developing essential skills in fiber optics, including splicing, testing, and installation. Over the course of two weeks, students were able to apply their learning in real-world scenarios, strengthening both technical ability and confidence. The initiative also allowed the instructor to fully utilize training equipment and curriculum, demonstrating its effectiveness as a model for future offerings. This collaboration between programs and institutions highlights Jim’s forward-thinking approach to workforce development. By identifying opportunities to increase efficiency and expand access, he has created a sustainable and replicable model that will continue to benefit students and industry partners. Jim’s innovation reflects a commitment to maximizing impact through creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness.

jlawson@pontotoctech.edu

Through the creation of SouthernTech’s Facilities Maintenance program, Jason Phipps has demonstrated exceptional innovation in workforce development. This comprehensive training pathway integrates eight high-demand trades—carpentry, drywall, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, welding, and landscaping—into one cohesive program designed to meet real workforce needs. What sets this program apart is both its structure and its accessibility. Jason successfully secured full funding for the program through a $460,000 grant and leveraged additional support through Training for Industry Growth (TIG), allowing students to complete all eight courses without financial barriers. This approach ensures that participants gain broad, job-ready skills while maintaining equitable access to training. The program was initially launched using adjunct instructors, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to workforce demand. As enrollment and outcomes

grew, the program transitioned to a full-time instructor model, reflecting both sustainability and long-term value. It also serves as a pathway for students to transition into full-time programs such as HVAC, Electrical, Carpentry, or Welding.

This program not only addresses critical workforce shortages, but also creates a clear, accessible pathway for students to gain multiple certifications, increase employability, and enter the workforce with versatile skills for lifelong career growth. Its creative funding approach, integrated curriculum, and proven outcomes together make it a model of innovation.

jphipps@sotech.edu

Haley Ragan’s work with Northwest Technology Center’s Small Business Resource Conferences and Launch Local Business Model Competition began as an innovative approach to workforce and economic development in rural Northwest Oklahoma. Her efforts were rooted in intentional small business planning, one-on-one

technical assistance, and ongoing needs assessment with entrepreneurs, lenders, and community partners.

In response to identified needs, Haley partnered with Major County Economic Development and the Fairview Chamber of Commerce to host a Small Business Resource Conference focused on accessible education, planning support, and connections to critical resources. When Launch Rural OK announced OCAST funding for regional small business conferences, she leveraged the opportunity to expand the scope, scale, and reach of the event. Strong attendance and engagement confirmed the need for more hands-on support, beyond a single-day conference.

Building on that momentum, Haley supported the expansion of the conference to the Alva campus and introduced a new component: the Launch Local Business Model Competition. She designed, implemented, and managed the competition, which debuted at the Fall Small Business Conference. The competition was intentionally structured to be accessible to startups and early-stage businesses. The inaugural competition received 12 applications and awarded $15,000 in cash prizes, creating immediate and measurable impact. As a result, Launch Rural OK has engaged NWTC to help replicate the model across regional conferences in 2026. Haley has shared materials and lessons learned to ensure the model is scalable, sustainable, and impactful across the CTE community.

hragan@nwtech.edu

Brad Rickelman and the Business and Entrepreneurial Services team at Meridian Technology Center developed Small Business University, a program designed to strengthen and support emerging businesses within the community.

Now in its third year, the initiative reflects a strategic approach to workforce and economic development through targeted entrepreneurship training and collaboration. In partnership with the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Small Business University provides structured programming and cohort-based learning opportunities that equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to grow and sustain their businesses. The program emphasizes practical application, peer networking, and ongoing support, creating a strong foundation for long-term success.

The impact of this initiative extends beyond individual participants, contributing to a more vibrant and resilient local economy. Its success has been recognized at the state level, including a feature in the Oklahoma Department of Commerce magazine, and has generated interest from other communities seeking to replicate the model. Brad and the BES Team’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to innovation have resulted in a scalable program that strengthens small businesses and supports economic growth. This work continues to create meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs while positioning CareerTech as a valuable partner in community development.

bradr@meridiantech.edu

Lacie Smith has demonstrated exceptional innovation in EMS education by developing a highly effective approach to teaching advanced patient care. Recognizing gaps in traditional training, she created a model that enhances student understanding while preparing them to enter the workforce ready to contribute immediately.

Her approach, often referred to by students as “The Lacie Method,” replicates high-stress, real-world EMS environments within the classroom. By bridging the gap between simulation and real-life application, students build both technical skill and confidence, consistently performing above entry-level expectations. Lacie has also demonstrated resourceful creativity by modifying standard training mannequins with everyday materials to create high-fidelity simulation tools not previously available. This allows for more immersive, hands-on learning without the need for costly equipment.

In addition to technical training, Lacie prioritizes the emotional preparedness of her students, fostering open conversations around mental health and the realities of EMS work. She builds lasting relationships that extend beyond the classroom and continues to mentor students as they enter the field. Her influence also extends to industry partners, contributing to enhancements in training environments such as EMSA’s simulation space. Lacie’s commitment to excellence is making a lasting impact on EMS education and workforce readiness.

lacies@gctech.edu

Troy Steidley developed a strategic partnership between Northeast Tech, Mid-America Industrial Park, and OSU Institute of Technology, to create a targeted ellectrical and Electronics Technology training program. This collaboration addresses critical workforce needs by aligning education directly with industry demand.

Mid-America Industrial Park is home to more than 80 businesses across manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and high-tech industries, all of which require a highly skilled workforce in electrical and electronics systems. Through this partnership, Troy helped design a program that delivers specialized training in areas such as electrical systems, fluid power, instrumentation fundamentals, and programmable logic controllers. 

A key innovation of this program is the integration of micro-credentials and digital badges, allowing students to gain immediate recognition for their skills while earning up to 27 credit hours. This flexible, stackable approach provides learners with clear pathways to employment and career advancement. Working closely with industry partners, Troy has ensured the curriculum remains relevant, responsive, and aligned with their expectations. The result of his work is a scalable model that strengthens workforce pipelines and supports economic growth. Troy’s collaborative and forward-thinking approach continues to drive meaningful innovation within CareerTech.

troy.steidley@netech.edu

Johnny Thornburgh has demonstrated his commitment to supporting industry by identifying practical solutions to real-world workforce challenges. When partners raised concerns about inefficiencies in traditional MIG and TIG welding processes— including metal deformation, extensive preparation time, and post-process cleanup—

he recognized an opportunity to introduce a more effective approach. He worked closely with industry partners to explore handheld laser welding technology as a solution, highlighting its ability to improve precision, reduce heat- affected zones, and significantly decrease both preparation and cleanup time. This shift not only addressed quality concerns but also created opportunities to improve productivity and reduce labor costs.

To support implementation, Johnny coordinated a comprehensive, hands-on training experience led by an industry expert. The three-day training combined classroom instruction with real-world application, allowing participants to test the technology on actual projects within their own work environments. This approach provided immediate proof of concept and measurable results.

Due to strong engagement and positive outcomes, additional training has been scheduled to further develop skills and expand access for new participants. Johnny’s ability to connect industry challenges with actionable training solutions is creating meaningful impact for both employers and the workforce.

johnnyt@pioneertech.edu