Oklahoma State University has appointed Jeff Starling as Executive Director of the Hamm Institute for American Energy, bringing an executive with experience across energy, law, public service, and organizational leadership to the Oklahoma City-based institute.
Starling most recently served as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Energy and Environment from 2024 to 2026 and will assume his new role on October 5, 2026. OSU names Jeff Starling executi…
The Hamm Institute for American Energy was founded in 2021 through a combined $50 million gift, including $25 million from the Harold Hamm Foundation and $25 million from Continental Resources. OSU names Jeff Starling executi…
The institute is focused on energy education, research, leadership, and industry engagement and is located in the Oklahoma City Innovation District.
In his new role, Starling will help advance the institute’s mission to educate future energy leaders, support conversations around U.S. energy policy and development, and strengthen Oklahoma State University’s energy research profile.
The appointment comes as the energy sector increasingly intersects with areas such as artificial intelligence, advanced computing, infrastructure, and new technology development.
OSU and the institute see those shifts as creating opportunities to bring together industry executives, academic researchers, students, and policymakers around questions affecting the future of energy.
Starling’s background includes leadership positions at Lagoon Water Midstream and Devon Energy Corporation, giving him experience within the energy industry.
He also previously practiced law at McGuireWoods LLP. OSU names Jeff Starling executi…
Earlier in his career, Starling served as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Samuel G. Wilson and as a legislative aide to former U.S. Sen. John W. Warner.
That combination of industry, legal, and government experience is expected to inform his work at the institute as it develops programs spanning energy policy, research, business, and education.
Starling has also held leadership positions with several civic and community organizations.
Those organizations include the State Chamber of Oklahoma, Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma Philharmonic Society, and Allied Arts of Oklahoma.
He earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from Wake Forest University. OSU names Jeff Starling executi…
The Hamm Institute serves as a platform for convening discussions around American energy and hosts energy summits, speakers, symposiums, and other programs focused on the sector’s future.
OSU plans to use the institute to strengthen connections among researchers, companies, government leaders, and students while expanding the university’s role in energy research and education.
The appointment also comes as Oklahoma continues to play a significant role across oil, natural gas, power, and other parts of the energy industry.
Starling said he sees an opportunity to build on that history while helping prepare a new generation of leaders for a changing energy landscape.
His responsibilities will include strengthening the institute’s partnerships, expanding its research profile, and helping shape initiatives intended to support U.S. energy innovation and leadership.
KEY QUOTES:
“Energy has always been about opportunity — creating jobs, building communities and improving lives around the world. Now, as energy intersects with transformative technologies like artificial intelligence, the opportunities — and the need for dynamic leadership — have never been greater. The Hamm Institute for American Energy is uniquely positioned to lead important conversations, advance new ideas and inspire the next generation to understand the critical role energy will play in our shared future. Jeff Starling shares that vision and has the experience to execute on it. I’m pleased to have him leading the Institute into this exciting next chapter.”
Harold Hamm, Founder Of The Hamm Institute For American Energy
“I’m honored to lead the Hamm Institute at a pivotal moment for American energy and deeply excited about what we can build together. Oklahoma has been at the center of America’s energy story for generations, and the institute has an extraordinary opportunity to help write the next chapter. By bringing together industry, universities and policymakers, we can equip the next generation of leaders, accelerate innovation and foster the ideas and partnerships that will strengthen America’s energy future.”
Jeff Starling, Executive Director Of The Hamm Institute For American Energy
“We’re excited to have Jeff taking the helm of Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University. He embraces both the opportunities and the challenges that lie ahead and is committed to keeping OSU, Oklahoma and the U.S. at the vanguard of our energy future.”
Dr. Kenneth Sewell, Vice President For Research At Oklahoma State University
