Kelsey Putman Hughes is an energy geoscientist, business owner, outdoors enthusiast, and photographer living in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Kelsey is the founder and principal of Sun Wolf Energy, a renewable energy consulting firm. She is also the co-founder of the Tulsa Renewable Business Alliance. Originally from the Great Lakes region, Kelsey joined Live in Oklahoma to talk opportunity in Oklahoma’s energy industry and why she fell head over heels for the state’s outdoor lifestyle.
Tell us a little about your life here in Oklahoma.
My husband Damion and I have lived in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma for 12 years, the longest I’ve ever lived in any one place. I’m a passionate advocate for what life has to offer in the middle of the country, having previously lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri before moving to Oklahoma for work in the energy industry.
I’m a geoscientist by trade and the founder and principal of Sun Wolf Energy, a WOSB consultancy that provides energy industry solutions through energy resource assessment, supply and value chain modeling, and incentive utilization services. Sun Wolf is the first woman-owned firm in Oklahoma to join the Department of Energy’s American Made Network as a Connector, where we advise clients in non-dilutive funding opportunities.
On any given day I might be helping Damion rebuild drill rigs at our heavy equipment repair shop on historic Route 66, attempting to keep my two Newfoundland dogs from eating all the fruits and veggies in my garden, training for an ultra-hike at Turkey Mountain, or enjoying a new photography project.
You’re a highly successful professional in your field. You could go anywhere. Why Oklahoma?
Without a doubt, Oklahoma is an energy state, but what frequently is underappreciated at the national level is just what a heavy-hitter Oklahoma is in the renewable energy sector. Nearly half of Oklahoma’s electricity is generated from wind energy and the state ranks third in the nation for wind energy production potential. The state has a wealth of energy production resources ranging from coal, oil, natural gas, wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, biomass, and hydrogen. Oklahoma serves as the energy breadbasket to our region, and as such, we host not only a diverse portfolio of projects that generate power, but also industries that require a lot of power. I am here as a business owner because I want to be in the thick of it where I can have real impact locally and nationally.
You have lived in other states besides Oklahoma. How did you end up in Oklahoma?
I made my way to Tulsa for the first time in 2011 when I interned at a Tulsa-based oil and gas exploration company. I will be honest with you, I very loudly proclaimed that I had no intention of taking a permanent role in Oklahoma. It was so much drier, windier, and hotter than any place I had lived prior! The year 2011 ended up being a record-setting summer, with over a month of consecutive days exceeding 100 degree temperatures, which was a bit rough on this gal from the Great Lakes region.
I say all that to emphasize that even through that extreme summer, it ended up being the people, culture, and cost of living that drew me back in 2012 when I took a full-time position in Tulsa. Since 2012, the city and region has really grown and evolved in ways I wouldn’t have suspected. It has always been Oklahoma’s people and potential for opportunity that has kept me here.
What opportunities have you found in Oklahoma?
Living in Oklahoma has significantly enhanced my professional development, particularly within its vibrant energy sector. This setting has facilitated my connections with fellow professionals and enabled me to participate in impactful, community-oriented projects. In 2021, while working in the solar industry, I recognized the need for a networking platform for renewable energy business owners. Together with colleagues, we established the Tulsa Renewable Business Alliance (TRBA). TRBA has grown into a robust network of diverse companies and organizations from around Tulsa, successfully hosting a summit event in August. I am immensely proud of this organization and the community that has propelled it to success.
Tell me a little about your job and Oklahoma’s energy landscape. Why is this the place to be?
I work with a wide range of clients, often at the intersection of energy resource assessment, economic development, and community resilience. Because the energy industry is such an economic pillar of the state, many of our affiliated industries such as advanced manufacturing and critical transport infrastructure have a deep connection to our place-based energy resources, policies, and workforce. I will be teaching an entire college course covering this topic Spring 2025 at the brand new NYU-Tulsa global studies site!
Newcomers to the state have not only innumerable affinity organizations to join for networking and education, but also have higher ed institutions such as the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa that act as bridges between R&D and industry.
What opportunities are available for professionals to grow their career in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma fosters a robust entrepreneurial spirit, evidenced by more than 10% of the state’s workforce owning a small business, including my own household. The state’s competitive energy pricing and lower cost of living significantly reduce overhead costs, creating an attractive environment for business growth. Beyond financial advantages, Oklahoma City and Tulsa are hubs for several Fortune 500 company headquarters and feature a network of highly collaborative business owners. Networking here can quickly connect you to influential community leaders. For ambitious professionals, Oklahoma offers a unique landscape where individual contributions can have a substantial impact.
What is your favorite part of living in Oklahoma?
The long spring and fall seasons! I really enjoy being able to spend time outdoors in early spring and late fall.
What kinds of things do you do in your free time?
Above all else, I really enjoy being outdoors and supporting unique local businesses. Hiking at Turkey Mountain and Red Bud Valley Nature Preserve, gardening with native plants sourced from Wild Things Nursery, and having a cup of coffee with friends and clients at Crossroads Cookery or Topeca.
What are some hidden Oklahoma gems people need to check out?
I love our access to public lands, everything from the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge to Cedar Lake in the Ouachita National Forest, and the former Platt National Park that is now part of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. These are all amazing locations to hike, camp, and photograph wildlife and dark skies.
What misconceptions do you think people tend to have about living in Oklahoma? What’s the reality, in your opinion?
Many think Oklahoma is only about oil and agriculture, but it’s so much more. It’s a hub for innovation in energy and sustainability, with a growing economy that supports diverse industries including aerospace, biotechnology, and cybersecurity. The state is not only preserving its natural heritage but also paving the way for a sustainable global future; and that’s something I want to be part of.
Oklahoma is not just a place to live. It’s a community to contribute to. Here, innovation doesn’t just meet tradition, they’re likely best friends working together. Come see how you can make a real impact, not just in your career but in building a brighter future for all.
