“Innovation and Advanced Technologies in Oklahoma’s Manufacturing Sector”
Dave Rowland was named president and CEO of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance in 2015 and directs the statewide economic development organization helping manufacturers become progressively more innovative, successful and profitable.
Dave is a proven business leader with a 25-year track record of achievements in the manufacturing industry characterized by successful turnarounds, development of strong organizations, and strategic partnerships with the public, private and education sectors.
He has a degree from Indiana University’s Kelly School of Business and is a certified Champion in Lean Six Sigma.
Dave has led small, medium and large-sized manufacturing companies in Oklahoma, nationally and internationally. He was director of operations and general manager of MerCruiser in Stillwater until 2009 and after that held a senior position at Tulsa Winch Group.
He is active in numerous non-profits and charities and serves on a variety of boards across the state.
Senator Carri Hicks is a mother, an educator, and a lifelong Oklahoman. The daughter of a public school teacher, Hicks graduated from Oklahoma City University. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications and Political Science. Hicks furthered her education at OCU by earning a Master’s Degree with a focus on Leadership Management. She went on to work for United Way of Central Oklahoma and Saint Luke’s United Methodist Church. Hicks developed skills in fundraising, advertising, and publishing throughout her career in the nonprofit sector.
A life-long learner with a passion for education, Hicks decided to seek a career change. She earned her Masters in Early Childhood Education and applied for a teaching certificate. Hicks began working as a public school teacher at the Putnam City School District in 2011. After three years teaching Kindergarten at Tulakes Elementary, Hicks moved to the Deer Creek School District. After two years teaching First Grade, Hicks now teaches Fourth Grade Math and Science at Grove Valley.
Today Hicks lives in Northwest Oklahoma City with her husband of seven years, Spencer. They are the proud parents of three children: Camilla, Holli, and Sawyer. A dedicated community servant, Hicks is an active volunteer for education-related causes. Hicks leads the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Camp. STEM camp gives more than 200 students each year a chance to learn outside the classroom.