Dennis Ruttman, Director of Business and Industry Services at Pioneer Technology Center, has been named the Associate State Director for field services with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education in Stillwater. Ruttman will assume his new post on December 31st.

Ruttman said, "Ponca City and the surrounding area are a great place to live with the terrific business climate, a great educational system and most of all the tremendous citizens. Before my wife Deb and I came to Ponca City four years ago we knew very little about the area, now we know it as a city with a rich and colorful history as well as a place where visionary people do great things to make sure it remains the shining star of Northern Oklahoma. I personally have learned a tremendous amount by working with David Meyers and Tim Burg of the Ponca City Development Authority and the great staff at Pioneer Tech."

He added, "Change is inevitable and it is time for me to move to the state level where I can put the lessons learned here and throughout my career to use on a larger scale. This was a tough decision for us, we have many great friends here. I can’t think of a time I have worked with any sharper more dedicated people than my friends and co-workers in the BIS area. They are truly our extended family."

Ruttman began his career as owner operator of a successful business in Northwest Oklahoma for seventeen years before becoming an educator in 1989. He later became an administrator with the Career Tech Skills Centers, and State Program Administrator for the Oklahoma Department of Career Tech before joining the Pioneer Tech staff four years ago. Ruttman also serves as the vice chair for the Ponca City Development Authority board of trustees.