Dr. Krista Ratliff

Dr. Krista Ratliff serves as the President & CEO of both the Lawton Fort Sill Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and FISTA Innovation Park, leading efforts to drive economic growth, innovation, workforce development, and business recruitment throughout the Lawton-Fort Sill region. As CEO of LEDC, she works closely with industry leaders, government partners, and community stakeholders to attract new investment, support existing businesses, and advance opportunities that strengthen the local economy.

A results-driven executive, Dr. Ratliff brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in operations, strategic planning, organizational development, and community engagement. Prior to assuming leadership of LEDC, she served as President & CEO of FISTA Innovation Park, where she transformed the organization into a nationally recognized hub for innovation, defense technology, workforce development, and STEM education. She continues to serve as CEO of FISTA while leading LEDC.

Dr. Ratliff’s professional and civic leadership spans local, state, and national levels. She has served on or continues to serve with numerous boards and organizations, including the Children’s Miracle Network, MERIT Baltimore Johns Hopkins (as Vice-Chair), Community Foundation of Howard County, YWCA, United Way, Hospice of the Chesapeake, Lawton Public Schools Foundation, Lawton Economic Development, Oklahoma Travel & Recreation, and the City of Lawton Strategic Planning Committee. In 2022, she was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt as a Tourism Commissioner for the State of Oklahoma.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Midwestern State University, a master’s in Human Resources from the University of Oklahoma, and a Doctorate in Business and Finance. Her professional credentials include board certification in Radiology and CAT Scan, medical licensure in multiple states, and certifications in project management, information security, and ethical hacking. She also serves as a Facility Security Officer.

Dr. Ratliff has been recognized with numerous honors, including the National Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher Award, the Jerry Orr Character Counts Award, the “12:10 to the Top” Award, Fort Sill Hall of Fame Frontier Friends Inductee, and Executive of the Year in Oklahoma.

At home, Krista and her husband, John, enjoy traveling and being deeply engaged in the community. Together they coach their three boys in football, soccer, and swimming, continuing their commitment to leadership and service both on and off the field.

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