Jeff Starling Will Lead Hamm Energy Institute
Oklahoma State University has appointed the former state energy secretary to lead the Oklahoma City institute.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Do you believe university-affiliated energy institutes effectively prepare students for the modern energy workforce?
Oklahoma State University will appoint Jeff Starling as the executive director of the Hamm Institute for American Energy on Oct. 5. Starling, who served as Oklahoma secretary of energy and environment from 2024 to 2026, will oversee the facility located in the Oklahoma City Innovation District.
Why it matters
The appointment positions Starling to lead the institute in educating future energy professionals and advancing its mission to bolster the role of Oklahoma and the United States in the global energy market.
The Hamm Institute for American Energy was established with a $50 million investment, composed of $25 million contributions from both the Harold Hamm Foundation and Continental Resources.
The players
Jeff Starling
He is an energy sector leader who previously served as the Oklahoma secretary of energy and environment and held roles at Devon Energy Corporation.
Oklahoma State University
It is a public research university that oversees the operations and strategic mission of the Hamm Institute for American Energy.
Hamm Institute for American Energy
Located in the Oklahoma City Innovation District, this facility serves as an educational and research hub for energy sector leadership.
Harold Hamm Foundation
This philanthropic organization provided significant initial funding to establish the institute in 2021.
Continental Resources
This company is a major player in the oil and gas industry that helped fund the launch of the Hamm Institute for American Energy.
The details
Starling, who previously held leadership positions at Devon Energy Corporation and Lagoon Water Midstream, brings extensive industry experience to the role. He holds undergraduate and law degrees from Wake Forest University.
Timeline
The Hamm Institute for American Energy was founded in 2021.
Jeff Starling served as Oklahoma secretary of energy and environment from 2024 to 2026.
Oklahoma State University announced the appointment on Sept. 29, 2026.
Jeff Starling assumes the executive director position on Oct. 5, 2026.
Market Landscape
The leadership change at the Hamm Institute for American Energy reflects the ongoing consolidation of energy research and policy expertise within the Oklahoma City Innovation District. This move positions the institute to better compete for talent and industry influence against other regional academic energy centers.
Local residents and professionals in the energy sector can expect the institute to sharpen its focus on workforce development under Starling's leadership. This may lead to new public-facing programming or educational events hosted within the Oklahoma City Innovation District.
The takeaway
The appointment highlights the continued commitment of Oklahoma energy giants to local academic and research infrastructure. Professionals interested in the sector may see increased collaboration between industry leaders and the university following this leadership transition.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit People.
Live Poll
Do you believe university-affiliated energy institutes effectively prepare students for the modern energy workforce?
