Former State Chamber chairman Rudy Alvarado dies at 95
The Chamber’s first Hispanic chairman devoted decades to building businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, and advancing Oklahoma’s technology economy.
OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — Rudy J. Alvarado, a former chairman of the State Chamber of Oklahoma whose career spanned engineering, technology, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership, died Sept. 28. He was 95.
Alvarado served as the State Chamber’s chairman in 2003, becoming the first Hispanic business leader to hold the position. He also chaired its Oklahoma Technology Council, part of a broader commitment to helping Oklahoma develop new industries and opportunities for entrepreneurs.
His colleagues described a leader who paired business experience with a willingness to help others succeed.
“A visionary thinker and natural leader, Rudy has dedicated his life to his passions – education, technology and economic development,” Richard P. Rush, former president and CEO of the State Chamber, told The Journal Record in a February 2011 profile of Alvarado.
Rush also emphasized Alvarado’s willingness to share his experience and mentor the next generation of Oklahoma leaders.
Born June 10, 1931, in Laredo, Texas, Alvarado was one of seven children. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from Texas A&M University and entered the U.S. Air Force through its ROTC program. His military service included an assignment as an aeronautical research scientist at NASA.
Over a business career spanning more than 55 years, he worked for major corporations and founded companies in industries ranging from manufacturing to technology. He led Advancia Corporation and related businesses providing information technology, training, engineering, research, and other services to commercial and federal customers.
By 2011, the family of companies employed more than 240 people across 34 offices nationwide, according to The Journal Record.
Alvarado’s influence extended into organizations that supported other Oklahoma businesses. He helped establish the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center, now known as i2E, and served three terms as its chairman. His service also included the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology and the Governor’s Council for Workforce and Economic Development.
He founded and chaired the Oklahoma Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Oklahoma Minority and 8(a) Association, and helped establish the Latino Community Development Agency.
Later, he co-founded Scissortail Community Development Corporation with his daughter, Renee, supporting education and economic opportunity for low-income Oklahomans. In 2025, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hispanic Hall of Fame.
In their remembrance, his family described a curious man who loved history, newspapers, travel, and lifelong friendships. He and his wife, Janet, traveled across five continents during a marriage that lasted 56 years.
His children remembered his unmistakable laugh and the advice he gave them: “make great friends and grow old with them.”
Alvarado is survived by his children, Richard, Corde, Randy, and Renee; grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; grandson, Jason; and siblings.
The family requested memorial contributions supporting college scholarships through the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma for the UPAEP Foundation, which he chaired. Additional information is available in his full obituary.
