Chris Benge Named President of Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance: What It Means for Jobs and Growth

Chris Benge has a new title. He’s now the president of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance. It’s a role that puts him at the center of the state’s efforts to help manufacturers grow, adopt new technologies, and compete on a national level. Benge brings serious credentials to the job, including time as Speaker of the Oklahoma House and Oklahoma Secretary of State. He also spent the last seven and a half years in leadership roles at Oklahoma State University.

What makes this interesting for the region is Benge’s stated focus on partnerships. He says manufacturers don’t grow in a vacuum. They need support from policymakers, tribal governments, educators, and local communities. That’s a particularly relevant point for Lawton, where the economy is tied to Fort Sill, local industry, and a strong sense of community. A collaborative approach could mean more training programs, more investment, and more opportunities for workers right here.

Manufacturing is essential to Oklahoma’s economy, and leadership changes at organizations like this one ripple outward. Whether you’re an employer, an employee, or just someone who cares about the state’s future, this is a story worth following. What do you think is the biggest thing Oklahoma manufacturers need right now? Let us know.