Thursday, September 15, 2011
OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Mary Fallin today appointed 13 people to the Unmanned Aerial Systems Council (UASC). Each member is serving at the pleasure of the governor.
The UASC will review all development of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and related technologies in the state. The council will act as an advisor to the governor on all issues related to UAS, including education, economic development, job creation and investments. Secretary of Science and Technology Dr. Stephen McKeever will serve as chairman of the council.
“Oklahoma has the potential to be the number one place in the country for UAS research and development,” Fallin said. “The team we’ve put together on this council will help to solidify Oklahoma’s potential as a national leader in this field.”
The Unmanned Aerial Systems Council
Dennis Altendorf of Edmond is the director of aerospace development and strategy for the Tulsa Metro Chamber. He was previously the director of aerospace development at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Altendorf earned a bachelor’s degree from OSU.
Andy Arena of Stillwater is an engineering professor at OSU. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from Notre Dame.
Dan Bierly of Guthrie is a program manager for Zivko Aeronautics. He earned a bachelor’s degree from OSU.
Phil Chilson of Norman is a professor in the college of meteorology at OU. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University, a master’s degree in physics from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. in physics from Clemson. Chilson is currently working on developing an unmanned aerial system for atmospheric observations.
Col. Emery Fountain of Norman is the director of operations for the Oklahoma National Guard. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Thomas Edison State University, a master’s degree in natural applied science and technology from OSU and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the US Army War College.
Rick Gaeta of Stillwater is the unmanned systems technical director at University Multispectral Labs at OSU. He earned his bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his master’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
James Grimsley of Noble owns Design Intelligence, a technology publishing vendor in Norman. He earned a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering and a master’s in mechanical engineering, both degrees from OU.
Jamey Jacob of Stillwater is an engineering professor at OSU. He earned a bachelor’s degree from OU and both a master’s and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley.
Bill Khourie of Elk City is the executive director of the Oklahoma Space Authority. He earned a bachelor’s degree from OU and performed clinical guidance counseling at Murray State University. Khourie served on the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission from 1992 to 1998 and the Governor’s Task Force on Aerospace Education in 1992.
Eric Meyn of Oklahoma City is the unmanned aerial systems program manager at University Multispectral Labs at OSU. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Dan Seesholtz of Edmond is director of special projects and corporate engagements for the college of engineering at OU. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Juniata College and his master’s degree in political science from Auburn University.
Toney Stricklin of Lawton is a retired U.S. Army officer and is currently the president and principal owner of TDRS, a private consulting firm. He also serves on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Stricklin earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cameron University, where he was honored in 2006 as a distinguished alumnus. He also has a master’s degree in international relations from Newport College.
Dave Wagie of Shawnee is the director of aerospace economic development at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy; a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California, another master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University and his Ph.D. in aeronautics and astronautics from Purdue University.