The development of Iron Horse Industrial Park has been spearheaded by Citizen Potawatomi Nation Director of Economic Development, James C. Collard, Ph.D., CITP/FIBP

For more than five years, Dr. Collard has developed the rail-anchored industrial park that will serve as a destination for foreign direct investment and an import-export center for U.S. domestic companies. He has traveled extensively internationally on business and as a participant on trade missions and diplomatic delegations. He is a Certified International Trade Professional.

Collard currently sits on the board of directors of the International Economic Development Council. He is a current member and past chair of the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team and past chair of the International Economic Development Council’s Public Policy Action Committee. He was recently appointed as a member of the Oklahoma District Export Council and serves on the Executive Committee of the International Inter-tribal Trade and Investment Organization.

Dr. Collard is also a certified Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council and is a fellow member (FM) of the IEDC.

To contact James C. Collard, please call 1 (405) 275-3121 or email [email protected].

Vedrana Milakovic is an experienced international business professional with a strong background in global trade, foreign direct investment, and duty cost-saving strategies. Born in Bosnia and raised in Sweden, she holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in International Business from Oklahoma Baptist University. Her career began at Arvest Bank before she returned to Sweden to work with Retail Innovation HTT AB, a company specializing in fiscal solutions and secured technology for sales recording systems across various industries. During her five-year tenure, she gained extensive experience in international trade and business operations.
Currently, Vedrana serves as the Assistant Director of Economic Development at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, where she manages Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) 106, Site 18. She is a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), Certified Export Specialist (CES), and Certified Zone Specialist (CZS) through the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA). In this role, she focuses on optimizing FTZ administrative processes and assisting companies in reducing costs through strategic product development, material sourcing, pricing adjustments, and market expansion.
Fluent in Swedish, Bosnian, and English, Vedrana brings a global perspective to her work and remains committed to fostering economic growth and international trade. She has been with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation for over five years, contributing her expertise to drive sustainable development and financial efficiencies.

To contact Vedrana Milakovic, please call 1 (405) 275-3121 or email [email protected].

Courtney Palmer serves as the Senior Administrative Assistant for the Iron Horse industrial park. She oversees clerical support, scheduling meetings, record maintenance, travel arrangements and grant management. She coordinates administrative communications with the Governor’s International Team, Oklahoma and U.S. Department of Commerce, Greater Oklahoma City Partnership and the International Inter-tribal Trade Organization. In addition she works closely with foreign diplomats and trade representatives upon their visits to Iron Horse.

Courtney graduated from Oklahoma City University with a B.A. Degree in Psychology. After graduating she lived in Oahu, Hawaii for two years before she moved back to Oklahoma and has traveled extensively abroad. She was previously employed at Devon Energy Corporation for over sixteen years.

To contact Courtney Palmer, please call 1 (405) 275-3121 or email [email protected].

Born in Ohio and raised in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Randy is a former college basketball player in El Reno, Junior College (Redlands). After pursuing his passion for basketball. He decided to pursue his professional career in the electrical field. He started his career in 1990 and received his journeymen’s license in 1996. After receiving his license, he started his career with Shawnee Lighting Systems and was there until 2005. After being successful at Shawnee Lighting Systems, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation recruited him to become the Electrical Director and start the development of the Electrical Department. After 15 years in the Electrical Department and being a part of Iron Horse Development Department. Dr. Collard asked Randy to come on board full time as the Transload Facility Manager.

Randy is certified in heavy equipment machinery that is vital for the Transloading Facility to operate. He maintains the Transload facility office and yard by following regulatory policy procedures. He handles everything from the customer’s logistics, merchandise, accounts, and operations and establishing budget forecast trends.

To contact Randy Story, please call 1 (405) 831-5378 or email [email protected].

Bio coming soon