Oklahoma State University has named Jeff Starling executive director of the Hamm Institute for American Energy.

Starling, who most recently served as Oklahoma’s secretary of energy and environment from 2024-26, brings extensive experience in energy, law, public service and organizational leadership to the Oklahoma City-based institute.

“Energy has always been about opportunity — creating jobs, building communities and improving lives around the world,” said Harold Hamm, who led the creation of the institute with donations of $25 million from the Harold Hamm Foundation and $25 million from Continental Resources. “Today, 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.”

Starling, who assumes the executive director position on Oct. 5, will help advance the institute’s mission to educate the next generation of energy leaders, lead conversations around American energy and drive innovation that strengthens Oklahoma’s and the nation’s role in the global energy sector, while strengthening OSU’s energy research profile.

“I’m honored to lead the Hamm Institute at a pivotal moment for American energy and deeply excited about what we can build together,” Starling said. “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.”

Starling’s previous experience includes leadership roles at Lagoon Water Midstream and Devon Energy Corporation, as well as legal practice with McGuireWoods LLP. He also previously 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.

Starling has also held leadership roles with several community and civic organizations, including the State Chamber of Oklahoma, Science Museum Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Philharmonic Society and Allied Arts of Oklahoma. Starling earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Wake Forest University. He and his wife, Sally, have two daughters.

"We're excited to have Jeff taking the helm of the Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University,” said Dr. Kenneth Sewell, OSU vice president for research. “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."

Founded in 2021 through a combined $50 million gift from the Harold Hamm Foundation and Continental Resources, the Hamm Institute for American Energy serves as a hub for energy education, research, leadership and industry engagement. Located in the Oklahoma City Innovation District, the institute hosts energy summits, speakers, symposiums and other programs focused on the future of American energy.