Our Team

Alex is the Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development at Meridian Technology Center. He leads initiatives that strengthen talent pipelines, support business growth, and build regional partnerships to drive economic vitality. Alex previously served as Meridian’s Director of Business and Entrepreneurial Services, where he coached startups and managed two state-certified business incubators. As an entrepreneur, Alex brings real-world insight to his work, having owned and operated multiple small businesses across Oklahoma. His passion for innovation and experience in building businesses from the ground up inform his approach to workforce development and business support.

As a Project Manager for Film and Special Projects at Meridian Technology Center, Cara Adney is leading the school’s efforts to build a workforce that can support Oklahoma’s growing TV and film production industry. With more than 13 years of communications and marketing experience, Cara has a strategic mindset on how to reach audiences where they are. She is a creative thinker and a problem solver who specializes in content creation and media relations across a variety of platforms. Cara also helps businesses within Meridian's district maximize their team's efficiency through customized computer training.

Chris Baer is an Administrative Professional supporting film industry training at the South Campus. Chris has worked at Meridian since 2020 and excels in organizing tasks like data entry, scheduling, and record-keeping. His commitment to continuous learning and strong communication skills make him an invaluable asset to the team.

Chance conducts safety trainings for employees of various companies throughout Meridian’s district. He believes that safety should not be overlooked, and his goal is to make safety principles second nature for those he trains.

Before coming to Meridian, Chance served nine years in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he worked in law enforcement. He was an instructor for most of those years, and his specialty is active shooter/workplace violence preparation.

Chance’s certifications also include OSHA 10-30hr General Industry, Hearing Conservation (COHC) and ETC Safeland Trainer.

Pat works with business and industry clients to identify potential tax incentives, grants, engineering support, supplier scouting, international trade assistance, government contracting, quality management system implementation as well as training and development needs throughout their organizations. The primary focus is to assist businesses with their growth.

Pat’s professional background includes over 33 years of experience in a variety of senior-level engineering projects, strategic product planning, new product development processes and procedures, quality control and manufacturing roles in the aerospace, defense, and marine and boating industries. Pat holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and a master of science in engineering mechanics from The University of Alabama. Additionally, Pat is a certified green belt in lean six sigma, a black belt in innovation engineering and a technical expert in Theory of Constraints Project Management.

Holly serves as Meridian Technology Center’s Apprenticeship Training Specialist, where she is dedicated to developing and expanding the various apprenticeship programs. She leverages her exceptional communication and organizational skills to manage program registrations, materials, and reporting. Holly is passionate about creating innovative solutions to traditional training challenges. With 17 years of experience at Stillwater Public Schools, Holly brings her enthusiasm and meticulous attention to detail to her role, ensuring that the apprenticeship programs continue to grow and meet the needs of the district’s workforce.

Julie is a Project Manager for Organizational & Talent Development at Meridian Technology Center, where she helps people and teams grow through purpose-driven training, coaching, and culture-building. As a certified facilitator of The 6 Types of Working Genius and passionate advocate for customized professional development, Julie designs engaging, scenario-based sessions that help teams work smarter, communicate better, and rediscover joy in what they do.

With a background that bridges communications, leadership development, and workforce training, Julie partners with organizations across Oklahoma to strengthen teamwork and performance.

Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University as well as an MBA with a marketing emphasis from Oklahoma Christian University.

Marcy works with businesses and organizations of all kinds to meet their goals through training and other educational opportunities for their greatest asset … their human resources. Her areas of expertise include personal effectiveness and time management, playing to your strengths, communication skills and team dynamics.

Marcy holds a bachelor’s in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University, and she is a certified facilitator and trainer for FranklinCovey, Gallup’s StrengthsQuest assessment, Development Dimensions International, AchieveGlobal and Myers Briggs Type Indicator.

Nathan helps industry by training and informing employees about safety and health on and off the job. He has 19 years of safety experience in retail, heavy equipment, light and heavy manufacturing, and the oil and gas industries.

Nathan’s credentials include Certified Safety and Health Official (CSHO) in General Industry and Construction, ETC Safeland Trainer, Specialist in Safety and Health (SSH) in General Industry and Construction Industry and Hearing Conservation (COHC).

With both his personal and professional experience, he is able to help businesses integrate a safety culture into normal day-to-day operations. He is passionate about helping all employees return home safely to their families at the end of a day’s work.

Debbra supports the Business and Industry Services team through her management of enrollments, instructional materials, contracts and reporting. Her contributions are critical to the success of the team as she equips instructors, students and staff with the information and resources necessary to provide efficient, successful training.

Debbra’s background includes experience in the legal field as well as spending 12 years with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. Her strengths in relationship building and executing play a pivotal role in the success of day-to-day operations.

Heather provides administrative support for safety and technical skills training. She plays an important role by ensuring instructors are scheduled, agreements with clients are in place, and enrollment management. She handles customized training inquiries and works with the Project Managers for scheduling.

Heather joined Meridian in 2024 and brings several years of administrative experience from the financial, construction, and product development industries. Her attention to detail and strong customer service background makes her a valued team member.

Justin Siler is the Director of Apprenticeship Training at Meridian Technology Center, where he leads efforts to design and expand industry-driven apprenticeship programs that help employers develop skilled talent. He brings more than 7 years of workforce development experience, focusing on aligning training with industry and employer needs. His diverse background also includes work in residential construction, equipment service, and agricultural sales. Justin is a certified CliftonStrengths Coach and is passionate about helping individuals and organizations leverage their strengths to grow and succeed.