Governor Fallin Tuesday announced the appointment of Patrick Fitzgerald as her special adviser for innovation, entrepreneurship and entertainment.
Fitzgerald, of Norman, has more than 30 years of experience in various industries with an exceptional track record for innovation, leadership and mastery of various disciplines, such as Apple iTunes, Walt Disney Studios, Citibank (Caribbean and Latin America) and Campbell Soup Co. He had global responsibilities at Apple and at Walt Disney Studios.
As the governor’s special adviser for innovation, entrepreneurship and entertainment, Fitzgerald will attend Cabinet meetings and help set policy in attracting entrepreneurs and in developing training for high-tech jobs.
“Fostering creativity and innovation and technology skills in our people is one of the most important keys to growing our economy and improving our quality of life,” said Fallin. “Patrick has the knowledge and experience to help our state develop in these areas. He’ll also encourage and cultivate our young people to pursue training in coding and ‘digital manufacturing ‘so that they will be a relevant, skilled workforce attractive to companies seeking to fill job openings.”
Fitzgerald operates and runs a consulting practice working with investment companies and industry leaders to install best practices and drive results. He was born and raised in Oklahoma, and recently returned to the state after working 30 years in various technology and entertainment industries.
He served as vice president and general manager of iTunes where he led global video product development, deals, marketing and merchandising for various products, while also leading operations for all of iTunes products. Prior to that, he worked at Disney as acting chief operating officer for the home entertainment division of the studio where he led and executed the first digital strategy deals in the industry for movies and led the first global retail marketing and branding campaign for the division, something that is still in place today.
“I’m happy to return to my home state and I help the state evolve as it relates to technology and entertainment and be a catalyst for continued growth in Oklahoma,” Fitzgerald said. “I want to help develop a trained workforce and look for funding opportunities for companies interested either in locating in Oklahoma or in hiring part of their workforce from here. Many high-tech jobs today like coding can be performed anywhere and people in those jobs can live and work from anywhere. With the drive and work ethic the people of Oklahoma possess, they can and will thrive in this new global world we live in, but just need more opportunities.”
While at Citibank, Fitzgerald led the sales and distribution strategies for Latin America across all business lines. In addition, he led in the design and installation of “micro” branches to better serve targeted consumers while substantially decreasing costs.
At Campbell, he held various sales and trade marketing positions.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with a double major in marketing and accounting. He and his wife, Barbara, reside in Norman. They have a daughter, Morgan, and a son, Ryan, who also reside in Oklahoma, and have started their careers here.
