Speakers

Ronald (Ronnie) Hobbs, Tinker AFB

Ronnie Hobbs is the Product Support Management & Civil Engineering Division Chief at Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. He leads the division that is charged with Sustainment, Weapon System Integration, and Organic Industrial Base Planning. Further, he is charged with Strategic Facility & Infrastructure Planning, Programming and Execution oversight to sustain and enhance AFSC's real property assets by supporting the AFSC Civil Engineering Directorates and Air Logistics Complexes located at each Air Base Wing.

Ronald is a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He served as an Avionics Technician on Fighter Aircraft. Ronald began his Federal Service in 2006 at Tinker AFB Oklahoma as a Senior Avionics Technician for the 550th Commodities Maintenance Squadron. After completing his Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Science, he then transitioned to the Acquisition Career field through the Defense Career Internship Program. During this time, he received Level III Contracting and Level I Program Management Acquisition certifications as well as his Master’s degree. As a Contracting Officer and Supervisor he supported multiple contracting organizations to include Supply Chain, Maintenance Support, Contractor Logistics Support, and Propulsion Contracting organizations. In addition, he served as the Alternative Competition Advocate and Acquisition Support Chief for the Contracting Directorate at Tinker AFB. Prior to his current position, Ronnie served as the AFSC Small Business Director for three years, providing critical support to small businesses.EDUCATION 2008 Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical Science, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL. 2010 Master of Science in Aerospace Administration & Logistics, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK. 2012 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL. 2014 Air Command & Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL. 

Brent Haken, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education

Brent Haken became the ninth state director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education in January 2023. Haken was in his fourth year as superintendent of Morrison Public Schools when he was named state director of ODCTE. Before Haken was named superintendent he served in several capacities in Morrison, including agricultural education instructor, elementary assistant principal, special education director, high school principal and testing coordinator. He was an agricultural education instructor in Wellston, Stillwater and Morrison, Oklahoma prior to becoming an administrator in Morrison. Haken received the 2022 Superintendents Chairman’s Award from the Oklahoma Youth Expo and was the Oklahoma Association of Superintendents District 4 Superintendent of the Year for 2022. He is a member of the Oklahoma State Professional Education Council and the Cooperative Council for Secondary Administrators. He has been a member of the Oklahoma Career Technology Master Teacher Committee, the National Association of Agriculture Educators and the Association of Career Technical Educators and served on the board and as vice president of the Oklahoma Agriculture Education Teachers Association. Haken earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from Oklahoma State University.

Sharina Perry- Founder/ Inventor- Utopia Plastix; CEO, Managing Partner- Utopia Model Companies 

Sharina Perry is an entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience establishing and running national businesses. Sharina is the founder and inventor of Utopia Plastix, a plant-based alternative to petroleum-based polymers. Sharina is also the originator and developer of The Utopia Model, a sustainable ecosystem business model. She is well regarded as an innovator, strategist, and unconventional thinker. She is often praised for her exceptional capacity to foster creative thinking, effective execution, and deliberate leadership. 

Aside from her successful career, Sharina holds a significant number of leadership, management, and business development certifications. Sharina holds an expert certification in Sustainable Strategies and Circular Economics. Her education includes, but is not limited to, The University of Oklahoma and Cambridge Judge Business School. Sharina also owns registered global patents and trademarks. 

Sharina serves on the Oklahoma Governors Minority Business Council as chair of the Business Engagement Committee. Sharina was also a key committee member for the initiative leading to the passage of HB 2365; the first Supplier Diversity Program within the state of Oklahoma focused on aiding in the advancement of minority and underserved small business owners.  

In 2023, Sharina was appointed to the Oklahoma District Export Council by the US Secretary of Commerce. Sharina serves as the Chair on the Advisory Board of the University of Oklahoma Price College of Business Multicultural Business Program. She also serves on the Executive Board for Hough Ear Institute. 

Sharina was instrumental in contributing her knowledge, insights, and expertise when the City of Oklahoma City convened community leaders and stakeholders when creating an economic resilience and recovery plan post Covid. 

Sharina is a founding STEM committee member for the Oklahoma City Innovation District. Sharina led the drafting of the resolution passed unanimously by the OKC Council to bring Public, Private and Educational Institutions together to address STEM and Workforce Development within the historically black community on the northeast side of Oklahoma City. 

Throughout her illustrious career, Sharina has received numerous awards and accolades and has been recognized worldwide. Sharina was listed as Forbes's Top 10 Women to Watch in 2023 (globally). Sharina was also featured in September 2023 on the iconic Nasdaq Billboard in NYC Times Square as the Inventor of the Year.  

Jessica Parker, US Department of Labor Wage & Hour Division 

Outreach & Planning Specialist 
Oklahoma District Office 

Jessica Parker began her career with the Wage & Hour Division (WHD) as an Investigator enforcing federal labor laws in 2012. She moved into her current role in 2014, providing community outreach and compliance education to employees, employers, and other stakeholders. Her work also involves planning, monitoring, and evaluating progress for the agency’s local, regional, and national initiatives.  

Prior to joining WHD, Parker entered Federal Service as a Claims Representative for the Social Security Administration followed by a break in federal service to teach high school business. 

Parker attended the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, but later transferred to East Central University and graduated with honors, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing. Parker also completed post-graduate coursework in Business Law. 

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with family and friends, and is active in her community and church. She and her husband live on a farm outside a small town in central Oklahoma where they raise cattle, crops, and three active boys. Of all the titles she’s held, Boy Mom is her favorite. 

Kellye Johnson, Oklahoma Department of Transportation

Kellye Johnson, originally from Kansas, currently resides in Oklahoma. She is a graduate of Langston University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. In 2005, she obtained her MBA with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. Kellye's entrepreneurial experience, coupled with her passion for community service, positions her well for her role as the DBE Supportive Services Coordinator.

Kellye is enthusiastic about the mission of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) and is eager to support disadvantaged businesses in broadening their demographic reach and enhancing their organizational profiles.

Lana Knott, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education

Lana Knott is the Program Manager for the OkAPEX program at the OK Department of Careertech. She was born and raised in the Great State of Oklahoma in the small town of Afton. She’s a product of our system graduating from the administrative assistant program at NE Tech and then coming to OSU to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Go Pokes! 

She started working for the OK Department of Careertech as an administrative assistant and progressed into the OBAN group as a government document specialist. Eventually she worked her way to Customer Service Manager and Adult Ed Financial Analyst. She is very excited about getting to work with Oklahoma’s businesses and help Oklahomans be successful in the workplace and in life.

In her spare time, she enjoys riding horses and competing in play days, being with her husband as he team ropes, and loving the grandma life with her eight littles all under 6.

Aaron Collins, Metro Technology Center

Aaron Collins was named Superintendent by the Metro Technology Centers Board of Education in June of 2020. Under his guidance, the activities of the district have brought Metro Tech to the forefront of statewide educational leaders. Mr. Collins is passionate about equity in education, quality career training and lifelong learning.

Prior to his appointment at Metro Tech, he spent two decades in education serving as a teacher, coach, administrator and as superintendent at Fulton County Schools in Kentucky where he worked extensively in workforce development.

Oklahoma City holds a special place in Mr. Collins’ heart. He completed his student teaching at Millwood Middle School, graduated from Oklahoma Christian University with a bachelor’s degree in 1999 and received the School of Education’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014. He has a Master’s and Education Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University.

Mr. Collins is a United States Air Force veteran who served as a Health Services Management Support Specialist in Operation Desert Shield and Storm. In his spare time, he enjoys jogging, playing basketball and traveling with his family. He and his wife Chanelle have four children: Caleb, Daniel, Abigail and Lydia. 

Greg Weber, Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC

Gregory is a Senior Associate Attorney at Koprince McCall Pottroff LLC. Greg has represented clients in a wide array of Federal government contracting issues, including but not limited to Bid Protests (in multiple venues), SBA socio-economic certifications, transactional issues, SBA size protests and appeals, and Federal government contracting compliance. When tackling issues for clients, Greg relies on his experience in complex federal and state regulatory matters to help clients navigate the intricate web of Federal government contracts law and its administrative processes. He is also a regular contributor to the Federal government contracting blog SmallGovCon.com and speaks regularly on Federal government contracting issues to audiences across the country. You can contact Greg at gweber@koprince.com.

Jaime Hough, OK Catalyst

Jaime serves as the Statewide Outreach & Recruitment Manager for OK Catalyst and in this role helps connect innovators in the OK entrepreneurial ecosystem to funding resources available through the SBIR/STR programs. Jaime earned her PhD in American Studies from Purdue University.

MARYBETH P. RADTKE, Tinker AFB

Marybeth Radtke is the Advanced Manufacturing (AdvM) Director   for the Air Force Sustainment Center (AFSC), Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.  For this newly created position, she oversees AFSC AdvM efforts to ensure integration of Air Force efforts to build capability, capacity, and market share in order to mitigate supply chain shortfalls and reduce overall maintenance costs.  AFSC is creating an AdvM ecosystem with Academia, Industry, and DoD collaboration in order to integrate AdvM into the AF Supply Chain, align AdvM activities to fill technical gaps, and ultimately enable AdvM Production.  

Ms. Radtke has over 25 years of government service and private industry experience.  She began her career in 1997 as a mechanical engineer at Whiteman AFB, Missouri.  She has served in a broad range of engineering leadership assignments such as Chief Engineer for two OC-ALC Maintenance Groups and Technical Assistant at Lockheed Martin - Owego. 

Jeannie Troxel, OMES

Jeannie Troxel is the Supplier Relationship Manager for Central Purchasing has been a member of the CP team for a year and 1/2 months. In her role, she builds valuable partnerships between agencies and contracted suppliers. Jeannie has more than 30 years of customer service experience and throughout her career has worked in the insurance, legal and energy fields.

Jeannie has three daughters, one son and three grandchildren. She serves on the praise and worship team at her church and sings in a music duo called 2 Time N. She also enjoys fishing, camping and cooking.

Jeannie is passionate about serving the community, helping others and working hard to serve the state of Oklahoma and its citizens. Bio...

Monica Hardesty, City of Oklahoma City

Monica Hardesty is a Senior Buyer and Certified Procurement Officer for the City of Oklahoma City Procurement Services in Finance. Monica works on a fantastic team with five other extremely experienced Senior Buyers. Her responsibilities include creating bid solicitations and contracts for construction related materials and services, (not actual construction), including HVAC, Electrical Services, Plumbing Items and Services, Building Materials, Concrete, to name a few.  Monica has been a buyer for 18 years, with 8 years in government or public procurement.  She’s been responsible for the Small, Disadvantaged, Minority, and Women-Owned Business outreach program in Finance since starting with the City.  It’s a program she’s extremely passionate about.  She was a small business owner for over 20 years across three states and understands the difficulties a lot of SDBE vendors face.

Randall "Bud" Coon, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs

Randall “Bud” Coon is a seasoned leader, veteran advocate, and employment strategist with over 35 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, state government, and public/private sector leadership roles. He currently serves as the Employment Administrator for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA), where he directs the OKSTEP and OKVetWorks programs, focused on veteran employment, entrepreneurship, and successful transition to civilian life.

Bud is a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran with 17 years of additional state service. His career includes roles as an Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician at Tinker Air Force Base. Fabrication Superintendent at Holland Air Force Base.   He holds an Associate's degree in Aeronautics and Advanced Composites Engineering.

At ODVA, Bud spearheads statewide initiatives that connect veterans to employment opportunities, education pathways, business development support, and community resources. He has built partnerships across state and federal agencies, educational institutions, workforce boards, and private employers to expand opportunities for Oklahoma’s 336,000+ veterans.

Bud is also the driving force behind “Making the Connection 2025,” a statewide veteran employment and entrepreneurship conference, as well as numerous hiring events and veteran business initiatives. He is a strong advocate for veterans, spouses, and at-risk populations seeking career stability and growth.

Outside of his professional duties, Bud has been married for 38 years and continues to champion values of service, mentorship, and community impact. His lifelong commitment reflects his belief that empowering veterans strengthens not only individual lives but also the communities they call home.

Craig Smith, Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics

Craig Smith joined the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics in July 2025 following the merger of OSIDA into the Department. Craig serves as the Director of Space Industry Development for the State of Oklahoma, leading strategic initiatives to expand the statewide footprint in related aerospace and commercial space ventures and further develop the FAA-licensed Oklahoma Air & Space Port. An experienced leader with a proven track record in aerospace operations and public-private space development, Smith brings a wealth of experience from across corporate, state, and federal sectors.

Cathy Curtis, Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Cathy has been with the Department of Commerce since 2016. She began with the Business Development team, assisting companies with finding locations in Oklahoma to expand or begin a new business.  In 2020 she began working with the Women Owned Business Certification and the State Certified Incubator Program. 

Cathy is a native of Oklahoma.  She graduated from Ada, OK High School and then from Stephens College, Columbia MO. 

Crystal Reid, Tinker AFB

Crystal Reid has been a Small Business Professional with the Air Force Sustainment Center’s (AFSC) Tinker Small Business Office from October 2022 to present. She has 7 and a half years of previous acquisition experience in which she procured for maintenance and supply chain organizations. Crystal has her Bachelor’s in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma and her MBA from Southern Nazarene University.

_{^{Derrick Thomas, Sheppard AFB}}

Derrick Thomas is the Director of Business Operations, 82d Contracting Squadron, Sheppard AFB TX.  He leads a squadron of fifty six military and civilian acquisition professionals that support the 82 TRW and 80 FTW. In this capacity, he directs a contracting program valued in excess of $1 Billing, providing support to the United States Air Force’s largest technical training wing and the only Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. Additionally, Mr. Thomas is the contracting officer for the Aircraft Maintenance contract, supporting the world’s largest flying wing.

Mr. Thomas is a native of Wichita Falls, TX and received his Bachelors of Business Administration degree from Midwestern State University. He continued his education by earning his Masters of Acquisition Management from Patten University. His Profesional Military Education (PME) includes attending Squadron Officer School as a civilian in-residency and completion of the Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program. Mr. Thomas began his civilian career as a “Copper Cap” intern at Sheppard AFB, TX. As a proud member of the 82d Contracting Squadron, he has worked on the commercial acquisiton team, construction team, service contract team, and as a warranted contracting officer. 

Joe Edmondson,  Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance

Joe Edmondson, a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) with an MBA in supply chain management, brings his expertise to the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance (OMA), where he plays a crucial role in bolstering the state’s manufacturing sector. Since joining the OMA as part of the NIST MEP Supply Chain Initiative, Edmondson has focused on strengthening the U.S. supply chain, starting at the state level, working with both startups and established manufacturers to help them innovate and grow.

Keith Kuhlman, The Alliance OKC 

Keith serves as the Vice President of The Alliance OKC and has spent his professional career working in the real estate industry. He spent 38 years with the Commissioners of the Land Office as the Director of Real Estate and then as the Assistant Secretary for the agency. During his tenure several innovative programs were implemented including the use of long term ground leases to spur development on the CLO properties. Projects such as the Rose Creek and Village Verde residential developments, and the Shawnee Kickapoo development became reality. Real estate investments, via complex land exchanges and purchases, in Oklahoma City with the former Sandridge office complex, Robinson Renaissance office building and the BOK plaza office in Tulsa are a few of the highlights of this program. During his time at the CLO a former county office building was purchased and utilizing a unique private public partnership the Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s office was moved into a state of the art facility. Using this similar PPP program a new office for the State of Oklahoma Department of Insurance was built. Keith is also a state certified general appraiser.

​Keith grew up in Enid and graduated with a BS degree from Oklahoma State University and later a master’s degree from Oklahoma City University. He was very active in Yukon schools mentoring program and the Boy Scouts of America.

Matthew Moriarty, Schoonover & Moriarty LLC

Matthew Moriarty is a founding member of Schoonover & Moriarty. His practice includes all legal matters associated with federal contracting. Matt’s philosophy when it comes to litigation and most legal matters is that being calm, cooperative, and cordial is the key to persuasive representation.  

Matt’s first job out of law school was to clerk for the Honorable Julie A. Robinson at the U.S​. District Court District of Kansas. There Matt learned that successful litigators and lawyers in general keep their audience in mind always. That means being helpful and as concise as possible.  

Prior to becoming an attorney, Matt was a reporter for his hometown newspaper in Southern Pines, North Carolina.  

Matthew Jock, SBA

Matthew Jock is the Deputy District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Oklahoma District Office, a role he began in January 2025. With 20 years of SBA service, he has held positions across disaster assistance, business opportunity, and economic development, including leading the Congressional Inquiry & High Priority Response Team during the COVID-19 pandemic, for which he received the 2020 SBA MVP IKE Award. Matt holds a B.S. in Crime and Justice Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas and a J.D. from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

Melissa Jones, Gladius IT

Melissa Jones is a dedicated IT compliance professional with extensive expertise in cybersecurity frameworks, specializing in small and medium-sized manufacturers. As the Lead Compliance Manager for GladiusIT, she guides organizations through the complexities of regulatory requirements, including NIST 800-171 and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).  

Her career is distinguished by a proactive approach to enhancing cybersecurity postures, ensuring that clients not only meet but exceed regulatory standards. Melissa combines technical proficiency with a deep understanding of industry-specific challenges, allowing her to develop tailored compliance strategies that mitigate risks and protect sensitive information.  

In addition to her role at GladiusIT, Melissa serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Women in Leadership Certificate Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she contributes her expertise to empower and mentor emerging leaders in the field.  

Melissa’s commitment to excellence and her ability to communicate complex technical concepts in an accessible way have earned her recognition as a trusted advisor among her peers and clients. She currently is a Certified CMMC Professional (CCP), staying at the forefront of cybersecurity developments to help organizations navigate evolving regulatory landscapes with confidence. 

Ray E. Little,  Oklahoma Department of Commerce

Ray E. Little is a seasoned economic development leader with over six years of experience driving entrepreneurship, small business growth, and statewide business retention efforts in Oklahoma. He currently serves as the Director of Entrepreneurship and Small Business at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, where he leads initiatives to support startups, strengthen business hubs, and expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Previously, Ray directed Grant Management and oversaw Business Retention & Expansion, bringing a results-driven approach to both funding strategy and long-term business sustainability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also served as the Director of COVID Relief and the official liaison with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), playing a pivotal role in coordinating relief efforts for Oklahoma’s business community.

Through his leadership, Ray has built a reputation for innovative program design, strong cross-agency partnerships, and a commitment to helping businesses not only survive but thrive. His work continues to shape Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial landscape and ensure small businesses remain at the heart of the state’s economic growth.

Dana Brashears,  Oklahoma Small Business Development Center

Dana Brashear, a Six Sigma-certified professional with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Business Administration from Midland University, has over 25 years of extensive experience in the financial and government sectors.  

Her expertise spans various areas, including business line startups, product and process development, operations and project management, sales, marketing, grant writing, and government procurement.

Mrs. Brashear is a board member for the City of Muskogee Economic Development and the City of Muskogee Foundation. Dana Brashear currently serves as an advisor for SBA's Small Business Development Centers building entrepreneurial ecosystems and strengthening government procurement opportunities throughout the state of Oklahoma. 

Beth Freeman, DNI

Beth Freeman is a proposal management professional with over 14 years of experience leading successful teams through the full proposal lifecycle, from RFIs to competitive and direct award RFPs for Federal Government contracts. She holds APMP Foundation accreditation and Shipley certifications in Managing Strategic Proposals and POWeRful Proposal Writing.

Beth has managed proposals valued up to $300M across GWACs, IDIQs, MACs, and GSA schedules, supporting industries including IT, construction, and professional services. Known for her strong organizational skills, adaptability, and ability to thrive under pressure, she brings proven expertise in proposal and project management, research and development, and program and grant management.

Her background combines technical expertise with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, making her an effective leader, collaborator, and mentor in the proposal management field.

Beau Chapman, DNI

Beau Chapman began his career as an Air Force Intelligence Officer, gaining deep operational insight into intelligence missions. He later transitioned into training roles as an Intelligence Planning instructor, where he first discovered his passion for proposal writing by supporting intelligence-focused RFP responses. This experience led to his recruitment into corporate proposal management, where he spent 13 years leading competitive proposal efforts across diverse federal sectors.

For the past four years, Beau has served as a Solutions Architect, specializing in crafting compelling technical narratives and solution strategies. In this role, he partners with technical teams and stakeholders to translate complex technical concepts into clear, persuasive proposal content that aligns with customer missions and requirements.

With over 20 years of experience spanning military intelligence, proposal management, and solutions architecture, Beau brings a unique blend of operational expertise and capture strategy to the proposal development process.

Shelton Conwright, DNI

Shelton Conwright began his career as a DISA Security Administrator, leading cybersecurity operations and risk management for military and Department of Defense programs during more than a decade with CACI. He went on to serve as a trusted cybersecurity expert with the B-52 Program Office, where he supported mission-critical systems for over four years and authored risk assessments, security strategies, and technical documentation that played a key role in securing successful contract awards.

Building on this foundation, Shelton transitioned into solutions architecture, where he has spent the past several years with Delaware Nations. In this role, he designs secure, scalable solutions across cloud, networking, and cybersecurity domains while driving innovation in system integration and proposal strategy. He works closely with executives, engineers, and capture teams to shape technical approaches that not only meet but exceed customer expectations.

Shelton has nearly two decades of combined experience in federal cybersecurity, enterprise IT, proposal development, and solutions architecture. His blend of hands-on technical knowledge and strategic insight enables him to craft solutions that are both technically sound and aligned with long-term mission success.

Kimberly Herlihy, SBA

Kim Herlihy, Business Opportunity Specialist, joined the Small Business Administration Oklahoma District Office in 2020.  She works with small businesses participating in the 8(a) Business Development Program and provides information regarding Small Business Administration programs and resources.  Kim retired from the U.S. Army and holds a BS in Accounting, MS in Education and MS in Vocational Rehabilitation.

Gerald Lewis, FAA 

Management & Program Analyst, Small Business Development Program Office (AAP-20), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC), Oklahoma City, OK.

Gerald is a Sr. Management & Program Analyst for the FAA Small Business Development Program Office (AAP-20) located at FAA Headquarters, in Washington, D.C. Gerald has more than forty (40) years of federal procurement experience all with the FAA. He started his career with the FAA in 1969 as High School Student Aid for the FAA Eastern Regional Headquarters, Administrative Services Division, located at JFK International Airport, Jamaica, New York. From 1973 to 1984 he worked in the Purchasing Branch (AEA-55) of the FAA Eastern Regional Headquarters as a Procurement Clerk, Purchasing Agent, and Contract Specialist.

In the fall of 1984, Gerald accepted a position with the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) in Oklahoma City, as a Procurement Analyst in the MMAC Office of Acquisition (AMQ). In 1985 he was promoted to the position of Contract Negotiator, and in 1988 to a Sr. GS-1102-12 Contracting Officer with a Level III Certification and an unlimited warrant. In January 1995 he was promoted to the Small Business Development Program Manager (AMQ-3), FG-1102 -13 for the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. On 9/25/11, Gerald was promoted to his current position, Sr. Management and Program Analyst, FG-343-14 (J Band) for the Small Business Development Program Office (AAP-20). The Small Business Development Program Office establishes the FAA-wide small business goals and objectives, develops agency small business program policy and guidance, maintains, and creates mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating goal accomplishments and program effectiveness directed at ensuring small and disadvantaged business participation in the FAA's procurement programs.

Gerald has served as the Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC) Board of Directors, as a member of the Oklahoma Consortium for Minority Business Development (OCMBD) the Rose State and Tinker AFB Government Procurement Conference Planning Steering Committee, the SBA Selection Committee for the Annual SBA Oklahoma District Office Small & Minority Business Awards, the AeroEoc/TAP Midwest City Chamber Advisory Committee, and actively supports the Langston University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and advisory board, the National Black Coalition of FAA Employees, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Rose State College SBDC, Oklahoma Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) Oklahoma SBA District Office, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and the Oklahoma Federal Executive Board (FEB).