Staff

Phone: (405) 604-6900

Email: gardies@oac.ok.gov

Grayson Ardies has been the Oklahoma State Director of Aeronautics since November 2020. The Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission's mission is to promote aviation and aerospace, which includes fostering the growth of the aerospace industry and ensuring that the needs of commerce and communities across Oklahoma are met by the 108 public airports that comprise the state’s air transportation system. Ardies emphasis is on promoting the aerospace industry, one of the state’s largest industries and top employers; critical planning and development for the state’s air transportation system; making the state’s 49 regional business airports the best possible economic centers in their communities; and encouraging public-private partnerships to promote the aerospace industry.

Ardies began working for the Commission in 2009 as an intern. Rising through the ranks, he became the lone 5010 airport inspector as an Aviation Program Manager, conducting airport and pavement inspections at Oklahoma’s public-use, general aviation airports to provide each community with a foundation for the federal and state capital planning process. In 2016 he became Manager of the Airport Division to oversee the development of the Commission’s Five-year Airport Construction Program which directs approximately $25 million of federal, state, and local funding per year. He was responsible for airport inspections, airspace zoning reviews in accordance with the State’s Aircraft Pilot and Passenger Protection Act, the state’s anemometer tower marking law, and providing assistance to airports with their development, operation, and technical documents. Ardies served as Deputy Director from January 2019 through October 2020, and was unanimously selected by the seven-member Commission to fill the State Director of Aeronautics position, beginning November 2020.

He has led many statewide agency initiatives including a three-year effort working with the state legislature regarding the protection of military training airspace. He also managed a two-year project that conducted an Aerospace and Aviation Economic Impact Study which established the industry as the second largest economic engine in the state. Under his leadership the Commission developed a unique P3 (public/private) partnership at Carlton Landing Airport on Lake Eufaula, and guided the difficult but necessary five-year effort to close Lake Murray State Park Airport.

Ardies was awarded the honorable 2020 State Aviation Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO). The award, which was established in 1989, honors State Aviation personnel who have excelled in their service and dedication to aviation progress and development in their state.  Ardies was also listed in the Power 15 List in Aviation and Aeronautics in Oklahoma by the Journal Record in 2020.

Director Ardies graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Aviation Management with double minors in Business Administration and Air Traffic Control. As part of his education through the aviation program, he also received a commercial pilot’s license with single and multi-engine instrument ratings and is a certified flight instructor.

Phone: 405.604.6901

Email: cwadsworth@oac.ok.gov

Chris Wadsworth joined the Aeronautics Commission in September 2019, continuing his career with the State of Oklahoma that started in 2009. In his role as Chief of Staff, Chris manages the operations, administrative, and personnel functions of the agency. As the Chief Financial Officer, he is responsible for directing the agency’s fiscal operations and financial accounting functions including budgeting, auditing, investments, cash management, and procurement.

Prior to coming to the Commission, Chris served as the Budget Manager at the Oklahoma Insurance Department and Oklahoma Department of Commerce. He began his career with the State at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education where he rose to the position of Scholarship Programs Coordinator. Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and Master of Business Administration degree from Oklahoma Christian University. He is also a certified Procurement Officer with the State of Oklahoma.

Phone: 405.604.6916

Email: nyoung@oac.ok.gov

Nick Young was named Airports Division Manager for the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission in August 2021. Young joined the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission in October 2019 as an Aviation Program Manager.

As head of the Division he will be responsible for the agency’s many airport programs including the 5010 airport safety and standards inspection program at Oklahoma’s public-use, general aviation airports as well the airport pavement management program. Young will also oversee the development and execution of the agency’s 5-year Airport Construction Program (ACP) which provides federal and state grant funding for airport infrastructure and updates to the Oklahoma Airport System Plan (OASP). Other activities within the Division include airspace zoning reviews and related permitting authority in accordance with the Aircraft Pilot and Passenger Protection Act (APPPA), overseeing military training airspace regulations within Title 17, airport grant administration, and outreach for operational/technical support at Oklahoma’s 108 airports within the public airport system.

Prior to joining the Commission, he served as an Airport Operations Officer for Max Westheimer Airport in Norman, OK and Construction Assessment lead for the Oklahoma Disaster Recovery Project. Nick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from the University of Oklahoma and Master of Business Administration degree with emphasis in Aerospace Logistics from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.  He is also a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

Phone: 405.604.6915

Email: sshelton@oac.ok.gov

Sandra Shelton joined the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission in April 2016 as the Aviation Education Coordinator & Government Affairs Liaison.   She assumed the responsibilities as the Communications and Government Affairs Coordinator a few months later. She was promoted to Government Relations and Communications Manager in 2021 and is accountable for the marketing and communication and legislative policy development efforts for the agency.  In addition to tactical aviation marketing, she directs social and print media, branding, advertising and website development.  She manages and oversees events, content writing, legislative research and development, policy development, speech writing, video vignettes and document layout/design.

Able to leverage over 24 years of continued education, training, technical expertise and hands-on private sector and state civil service experience in communications with a focus in government affairs, she is a native of Yukon and attended Oklahoma State University’s Oklahoma City campus. Hired in 1997 as a legislative assistant in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for State Representative Ray McCarter, (D) Marlow, her nine-year tenure includes clerking for Representatives Bill Nations, Clay Pope, Wallace Collins, Mike Ervin and Congressman Dan Boren. Recruited by the Senate Republican Leadership in 2004 by then Freshman Senator Don Barrington, she also was the interim assistant to Senator Eddie Fields, Senator Dan Newberry, and Senator Patrick Anderson.

A free-lance writer, she is a former contributing columnist for the internet news outlet, Examiner.com. Shelton currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Secretary for the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. which administers various art projects at the Oklahoma State Legislature at no cost to the public. Shelton has also served in the private sector as a social media manager with expertise in layout and design, film production, and digital media strategy.    

Phone: 405.604.6905

Email: kfincannon@oac.ok.gov

Kelly Fincannon began working for the Aeronautics Commission in September of 2021 as the agency’s  Chief Airport Engineer. His focus is on airport planning, design, construction, and project management with a mission to provide continued development and improvement of the Oklahoma Airport System, working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration, airports, consultants, and construction contractors.

His 38 years of related work experience includes office management, staff management, regional financial oversight, business development, client negotiation, project management, engineering design, bidding services, construction administration, construction observation, grant administration, master planning, and capital improvement plans. His airport experience spans civil, military, commercial, and general aviation airports as well as other civil infrastructure projects including highways, streets, drainage, water lines, sewer lines, and water resources projects. He holds professional registrations in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri.

Kelly earned an MS and BS in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association.

Phone: 405.604.6913

Email: BNaghavi@oac.ok.gov

Benyamin Naghavi joined the Commission in November 2018 as its Airport Engineer.    Ben obtained a Bachelor and Master of Science in civil and Hydraulic Structures Engineering from Ferdowsi University in Iran. He then received a scholarship from the University of Oklahoma and moved the state in 2011 where he earned a Masters in Civil Engineering and Environmental Science in December of 2013.  He began working for Burgess Engineering and Testing during 2014 as a Geotechnical Engineer in Training (EIT).  Ben brings comprehensive geotechnical experience to the Commission with a wide variety of laboratory testing, in-situ testing, laboratory test analysis, and project management.  He has experience working with non-destructive testing on pavement such as Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and pavement design and analysis. Ben is a Registered Professional Engineer in the states of Oklahoma and Texas.

Phone: 405.604.6900

Email: PKedy@oac.ok.gov

Paula Kedy is a life-long educator, most recently serving as the Executive Director of Academics and Instruction for the Ada City School District.  Kedy was named the Oklahoma Supreme Court Teacher of the Year in 2004 and has also been recognized as a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. She is a past president of the Oklahoma Council of Teachers of English and currently serves on the national steering committee for the  AOPA High School You Can Fly program.  Kedy has partnered with aviation business and industry leaders in the implementation of The Sky is Not the Limit, the Ada City School District's district-wide aviation program and currently works across the state to strengthen aviation education on behalf of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission in her role as their Aerospace & Aviation Education Program Coordinator. Kedy may be reached at 580.436.9223 regarding aerospace education initiatives and the agency's Aviation Education Grant Program.

Phone: 405.604.6906

Email: dwood@oac.ok.gov

Doug joined the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission staff in January of 2022 and brings 26 years of law enforcement experience, with 17 years as a first line supervisor responsible for training, supervisory, management and administrative tasks, including project development and leadership for the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Program at the Riley County (KS) Police Department.  He served 23 years in the U. S. Navy (Reserve) retiring as a First Class Master-at-Arms. His career included increasing levels of responsibility for training, supervisory, administrative, mentoring, and technical expertise as a first-line supervisor and Leading Petty Officer primarily in the area of Firearms Training and Anti-Terrorism / Force Protection Physical Security Procedures.

Doug works directly with users of UAS in the state, FAA, and other state/local government agencies and administers the Commission’s UAS program. He also conducts research related to other states’ rules and regulations for UAS and the new Advanced Air Mobility initiatives, determining how Oklahoma can best position itself within the industry. He is the primary contact point to develop/update a UAS and AAM strategic plan for the state and provides recommendations to other state agencies or local governments on UAS operations, regulations, and policies.

Doug holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Central Christian College, McPherson, Kansas.

Phone: 405.604.6912

Email: mbouziden@oac.ok.gov

Michelle Bouziden began working at the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission in February 2015 and serves as the Airports and Aviation Education Grants Administrator. As the Grants Administrator she is responsible for the management of grants awarded through the Commission’s Five-year Airport Construction Program, which directs approximately $25 million of federal, state and local funding each year for the construction, repair and maintenance of Oklahoma’s public-use, general aviation airports. Her duties include working with the community sponsors and consultants to ensure the grants are managed according to Oklahoma statute and that all grant assurances are met. She is responsible for conducting financial audits once projects complete. She also works with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Division of Capital Assets Management, Construction and Properties, on projects being handled through their respective departments.

As the Aerospace and Aviation Education Grants Administrator, she serves as a resource to organizations interested in the program, assists with processing grant applications and works to administer payments in accordance with state statute. She also serves as the agencies Administrative Rules and DBE Liaison. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern Nazarene University and an Associates in Elementary Education from Rose State College. She is also a Certified Procurement Officer for the State of Oklahoma. Michelle currently serves at the Vice President of STEM for the Air and Space Forces Association Gerrity Chapter, #215.

Phone: 405.604.6904

Email: tgalloway@oac.ok.gov

Thomas Galloway came to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission in June 2020. Before coming to the Commission, Thomas worked as an Operations Specialist at the Crater Lake – Klamath Regional Airport in Klamath Falls, Oregon; in addition to a prior background in the oil and gas industry. Thomas’ educational background includes a Bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus, and Certified Member and Airport Certified Employee Designations from the American Association of Airport Executives.

Thomas is an active member of the aviation community as a private pilot in both gliders and powered aircraft as well as hang gliding. In the Civil Air Patrol, Galloway functions as a Pilot, current Assistant Aerospace Education Officer, and a former Aerospace Education Officer and Safety Officer. He is an active member of the Oklahoma Soaring Association and is a Glider Pilot. He is an Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Lifetime Member, an EAA Chapter 24 Member, a Vintage Airplane Association (VAA) member, an AOPA Member, and a Licensed HAM Radio Operator.

As an Aviation Program Manager, he is responsible for 5010-1 Master Record updates by conducting pavement and safety/standard inspections at Oklahoma’s public-use, general aviation airports. Thomas assists with developing the Airport Construction Program (ACP) and updates to the Oklahoma Airport System Plan (OASP). He also conducts airspace zoning reviews and prepares related permitting documents per the Aircraft Pilot and Passenger Protection Act (APPPA).

Phone: 405.604.6900

Email: Jace.Torres@oac.ok.gov

Jace was welcomed to the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission staff in July of 2022. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in May with a Bachelors in Aviation Management (Non-Flying) and a minor in Business Administration and Management.

Phone: 405.604.6900

Email: Claressa.Bailey@oac.ok.gov

Claressa Bailey joined the Oklahoma Aeronautics team in 2022 with ten plus years of service to the State of Oklahoma. She began working for the Oklahoma Water Resources Board in 2011 as an Administrative Programs Officer.  She is a Certified Procurement Officer (CPO) and assists the Chief of Staff with financial duties. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling from Oklahoma State University with a focus on Drug and Alcohol recovery and Interpersonal Communication. A self-starter and quick learner, Claressa brings a versatile skill set to the agency with expertise in state purchasing laws and regulations. She is passionate about her work with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and the ministry God Behind Bars where she is dedicated to transforming the lives of prison inmates and their families. She makes her home in Oklahoma City.  

Phone: 405.604.6900

Email: apost@oac.ok.gov

Andrea began her tenure at the Commission in August of 2019 and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Museum Studies from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha, Oklahoma.  Her public service includes working as the Executive Assistant to numerous city managers with the City of Guthrie.  She also served as their Tourism Director, executing annual department budget proposals, financial reports, purchasing, board meeting agendas and minutes, and marketing and communications planning. Ms. Post also served in the Pioneer Library System for the Norman Public Library East.  Andrea is vital to the function of the agency and provides administrative support to the Director, which includes managing his busy calendar, calls, email, and travel. On behalf of the Director, Andrea communicates with others outside and inside the organization and completes complex administrative tasks.  She is from Sapulpa, Oklahoma.