Director - Tribal Tax Enforcement

• Jul 2022 - Present

-Oversee all aspects of the MCN Tribal Tax Enforcement Division -Administer business licensing, tribal tax collection, tax reporting information and services for licensed businesses residing on tribally owned, trust, or restricted properties within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation -Accepting and processing applications for tax licenses and permits -Collecting and depositing all tax revenue in accordance with tribal ordinances -Auditing tax reports -Deny, suspend, or revoke licenses -Perform audits of tribally licensed businesses to ensure proper tax is collected and remitted -Issue fines or penalties for violations of tax codes and tribal ordinances -Promulgate tax rules and regulations -Administration of tobacco tax code, tribal tax code, commercial code, motor fuel tax code, oil and gas tax code, liquor & beer tax code, along with any additional tax codes reserved for future development -Collect and input tax information and maintain tax software database -Send delinquency notifications when necessary -Receive, reconcile, and calculate rebates from the State of Oklahoma for taxes paid Show less

Native Pathways Program Officer

• Jun 2019 - Jan 2021

-Developed and ensured implementation of donor funded program grants and administered $5 million grant; 128 individual subgrants for all 35 tribal colleges and over 200 reservation-based and BIE funded high schools in 13 states tripling the number of tribal colleges and high schools served from 2019 to 2020. -Supported effective collaboration and complimentary student services efforts with TCUs, high schools, and other community partners and universities -Coordination and oversight of bridge programs for the three Native Pathways Programs – High School College Choice - 9th - 12th grade, Tribal College Transfer - TCU freshmen & sophomores, and College Success - mainstream undergraduates -Track budgets and expenditures for grants and site travel -Provided impact reporting for college going resource use and partner institutions & student participation -Collaborated with Sr. Student Success Coach and Scholarship Manager on Native Pathway Scholars -Created materials and facilitated presentations, webinars, website, and resource handouts -Coordinated with Marketing Manager to create and run text messaging platform and webinar presentations -Worked with Student Success Services team in meeting departmental and organizational goals and objectives -Developed and executed a resident summer college readiness camp in 2019 and an all virtual summer camp in 2020 for rising high school juniors & seniors and tribal college students; received the 2020 AICF Employee of the Year Award for the 2020 virtual camp (over 500 registered and attended the 3-day virtual event) -Created, administered, and served as advisor for a Single Mother’s Scholarship Program; 16 single mothers attending tribal colleges were awarded $3000 each and provided support, resources, networking opportunities, mentorship, and academic coaching throughout the school year Show less

Yoga Instructor

• Aug 2018 - Dec 2020

Beginner’s Yoga: This 60-minute breath-based yoga class helps each student understand the mechanics of a yoga class and deepen their connection with their bodies. Using basic movements, breathing and meditation, this class works to provide simple ways to add yoga to your life. Gentle Restorative Yoga: This class is designed to provide a safe, effective, compassionate, non-competitive environment that is welcoming to all. This yoga class offers a softer, nurturing, slow-paced, well-supported and relaxing vinyasa practice. Postures will be approached in gradual steps, with plenty of time to focus on breathing and repetition so that the practice is simple to do and easy to integrate into different body types. Show less

Director - Online Legal Education - Masters of Jurisprudence in Indian Law & Energy Law

• Jul 2011 - May 2019

The Master of Jurisprudence in Indian Law (MJIL) is an online degree program for individuals who work in a variety of disciplines and positions which in some way require a solid knowledge of the field but who do not require a law degree. Courses in the MJIL program are developed and taught by TU professors as well as other recognized experts in the field.The program is offered by The University of Tulsa College of Law, a recognized leader in Indian law education, in association with Concord Law School, the nation’s leading online law school. The online Master of Jurisprudence in Energy Law (MJEL) at The University of Tulsa College of Law is designed to provide the education and hands-on training necessary for graduates to make a positive impact on their world, while succeeding in an exciting and rewarding career. The MJEL is part of our Sustainable Energy and Resources Law (SERL) program. It is designed exclusively for individuals who wish to further their own professional marketability by gaining a deeper insight into the specific laws and regulations that govern the energy field. I coordinated all student affairs divisions for both Masters of Jurisprudence in Indian Law and Energy Law programs including marketing, student recruitment, program admission, academic advising, registration, academic policies and procedures, course development & scheduling, and assist in and facilitate adjunct faculty recruitment and training. Show less

Adjunct Instructor

• Jan 2011 - May 2012

AIS 1443 Indian Country Today (Contemporary Issues), Spring 2011; Fall 2011; Spring 2012 Course Description: This course will allow students to explore the more complicated concerns now inherent in Indian Country, including legal issues, repatriation, and cultural preservation. The main thrust of the class is to begin introducing students to finding creative ways to resolve major matters – whether pan-Indian or local. To this end, students will become familiar with the relationship Indian nations have with the federal government. Emphasis will be placed on understanding contemporary Indian problems in the context of specific cultural, historical and philosophical backgrounds. Principles of Leadership in Indian Country (AIS 1213), Spring 2011; Fall 2011; Spring 2012 Course Description: Described as "a complex, multidimensional process," leadership can be conceptualized as "a trait, an ability, a skill, a behavior or a relationship" (Northouse p. 9, 2012). Learning about leadership is useful regardless of one's professional position or status as each of us may need to assume a leadership role. This course provides students with an introduction to today's popular topic of leadership with application to tribal communities and entities. Students examine their leadership philosophy and its impact on their leadership style as indigenous learners. Topics covered include: the nature of leadership, leadership traits, style, and skills. Leadership obstacles along with strategies for effective leadership are addressed. Show less

Assistant Director, Financial Aid

• Oct 2009 - Nov 2010

Manage department of scholarships and financial aid for 2-year, multi-campus Community College serving 20,000+ undergraduate students. Develop training materials and train staff on federal and state financial aid, federal work study programs, tribal grants, consortium with participating colleges and universities, scholarship awards, student recruitment, and community outreach. Manage department of scholarships and financial aid for 2-year, multi-campus Community College serving 20,000+ undergraduate students. Develop training materials and train staff on federal and state financial aid, federal work study programs, tribal grants, consortium with participating colleges and universities, scholarship awards, student recruitment, and community outreach.

Coordinator, Scholarships & Financial Aid

• Aug 2003 - Oct 2009

Manage department of scholarships and financial aid for 4-year Public Research University branch campus serving 2600+ undergraduate and graduate students. Process and administer federal and state financial aid, federal work study programs, veterans benefits, tribal grants, consortium with participating colleges and universities, scholarship awards, student recruitment, and community outreach. Served as advisor for the Native American Student Association. Manage department of scholarships and financial aid for 4-year Public Research University branch campus serving 2600+ undergraduate and graduate students. Process and administer federal and state financial aid, federal work study programs, veterans benefits, tribal grants, consortium with participating colleges and universities, scholarship awards, student recruitment, and community outreach. Served as advisor for the Native American Student Association.

Adjunct Instructor

• Feb 2005 - May 2008

Intercultural Communication (BUS/SPE 2053) – Summer 2007; Fall 2007; Spring 2008. Computer Concepts and Applications (MSIS 2103) – Spring 2005. Intercultural Communication (BUS/SPE 2053) – Summer 2007; Fall 2007; Spring 2008. Computer Concepts and Applications (MSIS 2103) – Spring 2005.

Financial Services Representative

• Jul 2002 - Aug 2003

Front of House Manager

• Apr 1989 - Jan 1999

Managed 345-seat restaurant, supervised staff of 150+, hired/trained/scheduled student personnel, performed AP/AR, prepared payroll, maintained food and liquor inventories, performed daily sales reconciliations, coordinated special events, catered for university functions, and participated in numerous advertising and promotional activities. Managed 345-seat restaurant, supervised staff of 150+, hired/trained/scheduled student personnel, performed AP/AR, prepared payroll, maintained food and liquor inventories, performed daily sales reconciliations, coordinated special events, catered for university functions, and participated in numerous advertising and promotional activities.