Krista Ratliff

Dr. Krista Ratliff (née Smith) is a Lawton native who serves as President & CEO of FISTA Innovation Park, where she leads a major public–private partnership focused on innovation, economic development, and STEM initiatives in southwest Oklahoma. She brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience across healthcare, nonprofit, and public-sector organizations. Professional Role Title: President & CEOOrganization: FISTA Innovation ParkFocus Areas: Innovation, economic development, STEM workforce development, public–private partnerships In her role at FISTA Innovation Park, Ratliff oversees strategic planning, operations, and stakeholder collaboration in support of regional economic and technological growth. Prior Professional Experience Vice President, national healthcare system ($3.8 billion organization)Increased productivity by more than 40%Increased employee engagement by 21%Led a record-setting national employee giving campaign Boards & Civic Leadership Dr. Ratliff has served on, or continues to serve with, numerous local, state, and national boards and organizations, including: Children’s Miracle NetworkMERIT Baltimore Johns Hopkins (Vice-Chair)Community Foundation of Howard CountyYWCAUnited WayHospice of the ChesapeakeLawton Public Schools FoundationLawton Economic DevelopmentOklahoma Travel & RecreationCity of Lawton Strategic Planning Committee In 2022, she was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt as a Tourism Commissioner for the State of Oklahoma. Education Bachelor’s Degree: Midwestern State UniversityMaster’s Degree (Human Resources): University of OklahomaDoctorate: Business and Finance Professional Credentials Board-certified in Radiology and CAT ScanMedical licensure in multiple statesCertifications in:Project ManagementInformation SecurityEthical HackingFacility Security Officer Honors & Recognition National Artillery Order of the Molly Pitcher AwardJerry Orr Character Counts Award“12:10 to the Top” AwardFort Sill Hall of Fame – Frontier Friends InducteeExecutive of the Year in Oklahoma Personal Dr. Krista Ratliff (née Smith) is married to John Ratliff, City Manager of the City of Lawton. They are the parents of three sons and are active in community and youth athletics, including coaching football, soccer, and swimming. Notes This page documents Dr. Ratliff’s professional and civic leadership roles.Her relationship to the City Manager is noted for transparency and consistency with other official biographies. Sources FISTA Innovation Park leadership biographyPublic board and appointment recordsState of Oklahoma Tourism Commission announcements