Fueling Innovation and Education in
Oklahoma’s Aerospace Industry
The Oklahoma Aerospace Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established through SB 1294 from the 2024 Legislative Session, is dedicated to advancing the mission of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. The Foundation plays a crucial role in coordinating and enhancing initiatives across the aerospace, aviation, defense, and space sectors. Through strategic fundraising efforts, we elevate the aerospace industry by fostering academic partnerships, strengthening workforce development, and driving key advancements to support all facets of the industry including MRO activities, aviation manufacturing, UAS/AAM technology, and many others. Additionally, we are committed to stimulating economic growth and supporting the Department's key events to ensure all Oklahomans are aware of the impact this industry has on our state and bringing the many career opportunities available within the industry to the forefront to ensure our students are prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation. We believe that this foundation will make a significant impact on our aerospace and defense community and lead our state into the stratosphere.
Objectives:
- Serve as a conduit for public and private partnership contributions, charitable donations, assistance, philanthropy, grants, and bequests made to the Department.
- Coordinate fundraising projects that promote and further the interests of the state’s aerospace, defense, aviation, and space community.
- Manage state-wide foundation activities, transactions, development projects, and public and private programs that serve the citizens of Oklahoma’s seventy-seven counties, with a broader mission to highlight Oklahoma’s second-largest economic engine, aerospace and defense.
- Provide available support and assistance to the Department, members, and stakeholders by fostering partnerships between industry leaders, academic institutions, military installations, government agencies, municipalities, companies, and manufacturers. The Foundation plays an invaluable role in promoting education initiatives, workforce development, advocacy and awareness to ensure we continue on our growth trajectory and preparing the state for excellence in aerospace.
- As a repository for collaboration and innovation, the Oklahoma Aerospace Foundation acts as a central hub for cooperation and innovation within the state's aerospace, aviation, space, and defense sectors. This nonprofit organization supports a wide variety of initiatives, including aerospace education, workforce development, and industry activities. Through our partnerships, we are able to deliver impactful programs that enhance the regional, national, and global aerospace ecosystems through investment
Oklahoma is set to become a global aerospace hub thanks to its robust economy, affordable cost of living, skilled workforce, and business friendly environment. The state leads the world in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and aerospace innovation, supported by numerous major MRO centers for military and commercial aviation which make the state the “MRO Capital of the World”. Additionally, Oklahoma is home to over 1,100 companies and institutions involved in aircraft, defense, and space manufacturing, as well as research and technology development.
The Oklahoma Aerospace Foundation is committed to discovering innovative ways to enhance value for its members, partners, and the community we serve. This includes collaborations with organizations such as Boeing, American Airlines, AAR Corporation, Pratt & Whitney, Nordam, Kratos, the Oklahoma National Guard and Air National Guard, FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, Tinker, Altus, and Vance Air Force Bases, Fort Sill, the McAlester Ammunition Depot, the Oklahoma Spaceport, Oklahoma Commerce, our many non-profit partners such as the Oklahoma Defense Industry Association, the Oklahoma Air and Space Force Association, the Ninety-Nines, Women in Aviation International and many others. Since innovation is at the core of the aerospace industry, the Foundation acts as a connector for stakeholders by hosting events, meetings, and other activities to share ideas, best practices, and resources, ensuring that aerospace opportunities are accessible throughout the entire state.
We're just at the beginning of an exciting launch! Our new program development is already underway, promising enhanced connections and opportunities for our members, partners, and event attendees. We invite you to join the Oklahoma Aerospace Foundation as we cultivate an unparalleled, immersive aerospace community right here in Oklahoma. Together, we can reach new heights and transform our state into THE Aerostate! Your participation is essential to creating a vibrant aerospace future. Let's soar together!
Board of Directors 2025
JOEY SAGER
Joey Sager is a Managing Director at Venturi Wealth Management with over three decades of experience in the financial services industry. His career began at Merrill Lynch, where he earned multiple top honors, including Certified Financial Manager accreditation, the firm’s Century Club and Circle of Excellence, and recognition as a Win Smith Fellow. He later spent 16 years at Wells Fargo Advisors, where he was named a Premier Advisor each year. Joey has been recognized nationally by Barron’s Magazine as one of America’s Top 1,000 Advisors and was ranked the Top Financial Advisor in Oklahoma by The Winners Circle LLC and Oklahoma Magazine.
Beyond his professional career, Joey has been deeply committed to community service and leadership. He has served on numerous boards, including Friends of the Oklahoma History Center, Integris Baptist Medical Center, Integris Health, Oklahoma Pilots Association, One World, the Sirloin Club of Oklahoma, and the Southwest American Livestock Foundation. His volunteer work spans local and global initiatives, from leading mission teams across Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to spearheading economic development projects in Nicaragua, Uganda, North Africa, and Oklahoma City.
A passionate aviator, Joey is an instrument-rated pilot flying both airplanes and helicopters. His love for aviation and space history has led to close friendships with several Gemini and Apollo astronauts, further deepening his involvement in the aerospace community. Joey and his wife, Danielle, also a pilot, enjoy traveling, boating, scuba diving, reading, playing music, and spending time at the lake with their two children.
JERI BARRIENTOS, MBA
Jeri Barrientos is a pilot, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for using aviation as a force for education, inspiration, and global impact. As the Founder and CEO of Curtiss Condor Resurrected, Inc., Jeri is leading the ambitious restoration of a 1933 Curtiss T-32 Condor—the only known effort to return this iconic aircraft to flying condition. Once complete, it will be the only Curtiss Condor in existence, serving as a living tribute to aviation history and innovation, which will be flown around the world.
Through her nonprofit, Jeri is not just restoring a historic aircraft—she’s building a movement. Her vision is to change the world through aviation by creating hands-on learning experiences, inspiring future generations of pilots, engineers, and dreamers, and honoring the legacy of American aviation. The project blends history, technology, education, and passion in a way that makes aviation tangible and meaningful to people of all ages.
With a background in both finance and flight, Jeri brings a unique perspective and tenacity to her work. She is also the Founder and CEO of First Mate Financial Advisors, LLC and holds an MBA from the University of Tulsa and several securities licenses. A recreational pilot and community servant, Jeri is deeply committed to giving back, especially through projects that educate, uplift, and preserve our shared heritage.
Securities and investment advisory services offered through Osaic Wealth, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth.
LINDY RITZ
Ms. Lindy Ritz is a senior aviation executive with over 40 years of experience leading innovative, customer-focused, and cost-effective organizations across government, industry, and academia. She is known for her strengths in strategic planning, program development, and organizational leadership.
From 1997 to 2013, she served as Director and CEO of the FAA’s Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, overseeing its $1.28 billion operations, including FAA training programs, agency-wide logistics, and financial services for the Department of Transportation. She was the FAA’s first Director of the Franchise Fund, serving for 16 years.
Her prior roles include Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for FAA Regions and Center Operations, Acting Vice President of Technical Training for the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, and Chair of the FAA’s Finance and Management transition team. She has also taught graduate courses at Oklahoma State University.
Ms. Ritz currently serves as the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commissioner for District 4, appointed by Governors Fallin and Stitt, and as Assistant Director of the FAA Center of Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance at the University of Oklahoma. She chairs OU’s College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences Board and serves on the School of Aviation Advisory Board.
She holds a BS from the University of Oklahoma and an MS in Aviation and Space from Oklahoma State University. She is a graduate of executive programs at the FAA, University of Michigan, and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School.
Her honors include the FAA Administrator’s Distinguished Career Service Award, the FAA’s first Golden Compass Award for Leadership, and Executive of the Year honors from both the FAA’s Hispanic and Black Coalitions. She also received the George W. Kriske Memorial Award, the Thomas P. Stafford Award for aerospace contributions, and multiple honors from Leadership Oklahoma, Delta Gamma, and the University of Oklahoma.
Ms. Ritz resides in Norman, Oklahoma, with her husband, John.
GREGORY C. SMITH
Greg ‘Sven’ Smith manages his own aerospace consulting company in Oklahoma City where he serves the aerospace and defense sector, focusing on small to medium-size business growth and strategic planning. He has a strong emphasis on workforce development and education, seeking to capitalize on Oklahoma’s top business climate.
Previously, he was the Site Lead for the Northrop Grumman, Aeronautics Systems in Oklahoma City. Greg also led NGAS Strike Division Sustainment growth, where he oversaw Northrop Grumman Strike sustainment planning including the B-2 and other strategic systems. His leadership oversight included program strategic planning, employee engagement, workforce planning, new business initiatives, and community engagement.
A retired Air Force engineer, combat-experienced bomber pilot, operational commander, electronic warfare and cyber officer, acquisition and requirements officer, Mr. Smith is also Chairman of the Board of Regents at Rose State College in Midwest City, Oklahoma, President of the Oklahoma Aerospace Foundation, a member of the University of Oklahoma Board of Engineering Advisors, and participates in various community workforce development initiatives.
