WYANDOTTE NATION

Top Left: Billy Friend, Chief, Norman Hildebrand, Second Chief, Eric Lofland, Board Member

Bottom Left: Board Members - Juanita McQuistion, Ramona Reid, Vivian Fink

Billy Friend

Chief

I was raised and went to school in Seneca, MO and had a great childhood growing up with 2 sisters and twenty first cousins. I have worked for the Wyandotte Nation for the last twenty-one years with thirteen of those as an elected official.

I view my role as a leader as one of a servant. I enjoy serving others and working together to benefit those whom we serve. I feel like my role is one of support and encouragement. I do my best to stay out of people’s way and allow them to do their job.

I like to spend time with my family, spend time on the beach and play a little golf.

Norman Hildebrand

Second Chief

I have lived in the Northeast Oklahoma area all my life. I have worked for companies in the area that made high purity boron for control rods for nuclear reactors and the laser and infrared optics.

I am the alternate vice-president for the Eastern Oklahoma area for the National Congress of American Indians, the delegate for the United Indian Nations of OK, KS, and TX, and I am one of the vice-presidents for the Twin Bridges Park Partners.

As a Wyandotte Leader I enjoy being able to better the lives of our Tribal Citizens and the community, making the Wyandotte Nation the greatest nation in the Indian World.

During my free time, I enjoy golf and kayaking. My favorite role in life is being a grandparent, I love spending time with my grandchildren.

Kim Harnar

Chief of Staff

Outside of the office, you might find me watching a sunrise on my front porch with a cup of coffee. Always up for an adventure and I love to travel and hang out with friends while listening to a live band, but most of all I love my family.

My high school sweetheart and I live on a farm and share two amazing sons and three larger than life granddaughters. I am an Eastern Shawnee Tribal citizen. As the Chief of Staff, I have the privilege of leading a great team who are dedicated to their jobs, day in and day out. I have been fortunate to work for the Wyandotte Nation for 17 years. I have worked on both the government and economic development sides of the Tribe.

Garold Alumbaugh

Facilities Director

I am facilities director. At times, I get a bit overwhelmed but my team always gets the job done.

I enjoy deer hunting and taking my grandkids out in the boat fishing. I also spend a great deal of time with my children. I have three adult daughters, a wonderful wife. I spend as much time as I can with my family.

Gary Bisbee

Gaming Executive Director

Did a tour in the Navy, retired off the Kansas City, MO Police Department, opened Harrah's Casino KC, quit and opened Sam’s Town, KC, I stayed with Boyd Gaming until they closed the property in KC and I was transferred to Peoria II, the Par-A-dice Casino (which it was not).I quit and called the Grand Casino in Tunica, MS. I was there 9 years and then returned to KC and went to work for 7th Street Casino.

I transferred to the Gaming side with the Wyandotte Nation and have lived here, happily ever after.

As a Director for the Wyandotte Nation Gaming Commission, I make it my responsibility to protect the assets of the Nation by protecting the tribe’s interests in the operation of 7th Street Casino.

I have a very simple work ethic: The Wyandotte Nation takes care of me and I take care of the Wyandotte Nation!

In my time off, I ride my Harley, fish and garden. I also spend time at Lake of the Ozarks when time permits. I work and take care of my family, which consists of two sons and four granddaughters. Kind of a boring life but that is the way I like it!

Dana Butterfield

Family Services Director

I started my employment with the Wyandotte Nation in 1996 as the Secretary to Chief Bearskin, 2nd Chief and Executive Director. I worked in the Planning Department for six years and have been in the Family Services Department for 16 years.

As a Wyandotte Nation citizen, it is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the people of my tribe.

Coincidentally, I married my husband Tim in 1996 as well. Luckily, the husband and the job both panned out! When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with friends and family or cuddling with my sometimes demon dog Suki.

Sherri Clemons

Tribal Heritage

Director

I am a member of the Wyandotte Tribe. I have three children and four grandchildren. I have worked for the Wyandotte Nation for over thirty years. I started as a cleaning person when the nation had only one building.

I love working here. It has given me the opportunity to meet many wonderful people. Working for the Wyandotte Nation has given me the chance to learn about the kind of people my ancestors were and how they lived.

My plans when I retire are to teach my grandchildren all I have learned about the Wyandotte Nation.

Kathy DeWeese

Housing Director

I have worked for the Wyandotte Nation for nearly 25 years, 23 of those years were spent in the housing department. The last ten as director. I am a member of Wyandotte Nation and feel very fortunate to be able to serve in this area. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and I enjoy helping our members find that place.

My family is my joy, and I love spending time with them (especially the Grands). I love to travel, but I am also a homebody. My main hobby is piecing quilts.

Heather Douglas

Gaming Executive Officer

I started working in Gaming in my mid-twenties and I've always loved it Even though I’ve done the same job I love the fact that every day I do something different. My dad said if I was ever lucky, enough to be able to go to work and it not feel like it is a job then I found my place! I would say that is true and I am lucky and blessed.

As for hobbies, I am a Lala/Granny to four boys and they take up most of my time (swimming, camping, bike riding, walks to the park, playing video games) however, I like to craft also. I enjoy making different things like cups/plates/t-shirts using paint and vinyl.

My role as a leader is to lead by example, treat everyone with the same respect no matter what role they have. I work closely with the casino managers and staff to ensure we stay in compliance with state regulations.

Debbie Dry

Grant Writer

I enjoy a world without conflict or drama; I rely on my home for that.

I came to Wyandotte Nation in 2007, and have enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities I have been given. I have been a Grant Writer for the Wyandotte Nation for the past five years. Prior to that, I assisted with grants, construction planning and management, as the Wyandotte Nation Planning and Development Specialist. While working for the Nation, I had the opportunity to finish my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.

Prior to 2007, I was in the restaurant business. It did not take long to decide that the restaurant business was not what I wanted to do. It was nice to be my own boss, but there were many drawbacks also. Before that, I worked in the manufacturing field for 23 years, much of that time on a self-managed team.

In my free time, I enjoy getting together with my friends to play cards or go to dinner. I have two small dogs at home that are always happy to see me walk in the door; they always make my day so much better.

Kelly Friend

Health Services Director

I have been with the Wyandotte Nation for the past 17 years, starting as the Wellness Program Director in 2002. I was promoted to Director of Health Services for Bearskin Healthcare & Wellness Center, serving both the Wyandotte Nation and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, in 2011. Accountable for administrative functions including, clinic, pharmacy, purchased/referred care, diabetic clinic, methamphetamine and suicide prevention initiative, Wyandotte Nation Youth Program and the fitness center. I love my position, as there is always opportunity for diversity each day.

With the mission of the Wyandotte Nation being to improve the quality of life for all tribal citizens, solutions have been sought to increase services or access to services. Since taking on the role of director, our team has added a licensed pharmacy, health services and the Wyandotte Nation Youth Program.

Raised in Miami, I haven’t ever gone very far from the nest. Attending Oklahoma State University for my Bachelor’s degree, then Pittsburg State University graduating with a Master of Science in Health, Human Performance and Recreation. I love watching sporting events with my family, visiting with friends or riding horses. In addition, I love orange and always cheers for the Cowboys!

Kim Garcia

Foundations Director

Waⁿdát ⁿdiʔ.Tętsiʔtaraʔt ižá:tsih

I am Wyandotte, and I am called "she puts beads in".

My brain is almost 50% left and 50% right. I long to be creative but need to have my bank account reconciled on a daily basis. I have about 18 years experience in Accounting so beadwork became my passion to fulfill my creative side.

Now as the Foundation and Special Projects Director, I feel like I have found my calling - I have order and creativity while serving my people. Over the years working here, I have seen our arts rekindled, the true history being told, family members introduced and it has made us better Wyandottes. I have seen our people receive a hand-up instead of a hand-out and it has caused us to be better Wyandottes. Employees have operated by the four-letter word - CARE and it has caused us to be better Wyandottes.

My role as a Wyandotte Leader is to help our people be better Wyandottes.

Jeff Hitchcock

Gaming Commissioner

I have worked for the Wyandotte Nation for 15 years.

I am willing to do any of the job duties that I ask my staff to do and I must remember, I am the leader and being the leader, I must keep us heading in the right direction.

In my free time, I enjoy gardening.

Brenda House

Elder Services Director

As the Director of Elder Services, I oversee the Title VI A (Nutrition) and C (Caregiver) Programs. For all 32 years that I have been with Wyandotte Nation, I have worked with the Title VI Programs.

I am the Treasurer of the Oklahoma Indian Council on Aging, Treasurer of the National Title VI Association, Title VI Board of Directors for the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Past President of the Grand Gateway Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, Board Member of the Northeast Oklahoma Caregiver Coalition, Recipient of the n4a National Leadership Award, Honored Person at the Wyandotte Nation Pow Wow, and a two time recipient of the Outstanding Title VI Director of the year at the Oklahoma Minority Conference on Aging. I was just recently honored with a Circle of Life blanket at the National Title VI Conference.

I am a die-hard Oklahoma Sooners and Denver Broncos fan. I live on a farm with my husband Richard and love sitting on my deck with my kitties and dogs watching my cows and horses graze in the pasture. I have four children, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Deana Howard

HR Director

Who am I? I am a BLUE. I am a TRUE BLUE. I love people and I love to take care of them. Family means everything to me, not only my family at home but also my work family.

I have over 20 years of experience in the Human Resources field. I began my HR career with LARCO Enterprises, a Sonic Franchisee with over 45 Drive-In's and after ten years in that organization I was ready for a new opportunity.

I have worked for the Wyandotte Nation for 12 years. I worked for two years on the casino side as Human Resource Manager and then transferred to the Government side as Human Resource Director. I absolutely love working for the Nation and can't imagine being anywhere else. They are not only my employer, but also my family. I feel blessed to be part of such a wonderful organization.

When I am not working, I can be found spending time with my family. We are usually at some type of sporting event- with four kids and a husband who coaches it is not surprising that we live at the fields or court and we wouldn’t have it any other way. I also enjoy traveling; the beach is one of my favorite destinations.

Cristi Hudson

Education Director

I am a wife and a mother of three. I love traveling, shopping, attending my kids sports activities, crafting when time allows, and spending time with my family.

I started working in the early childhood field in the fall of 1995 at Kids Korner Daycare in Seneca, MO. I worked for them for several years, quitting there to take over my mother-in-law’s home daycare. I operated the home daycare until my oldest child was set to begin kindergarten.

Fast forward to 2009, I accepted the position at Wyandotte Nation preschool as a preschool teacher's assistant. I was in that position for 3 years, and then became a lead teacher for 3 years. When the Early Childhood resource and referral position opened up, I accepted that position until the Education Director position became available, and that is where I am at now. I couldn’t be happier about the decisions I have made with Wyandotte Nation as my employer.

Glenn Johnston

Chief of Police

I retired from the Miami, Oklahoma Police Department after 25 years of service and I have been with the Wyandotte Nation Police Department for five years.

I love getting together with friends for a bike ride and putting on the feedbag somewhere down the road. I collect vintage guitar's that have been put back in a dusty corner and forgotten over time and I am still chasing that dream of owning the 1958 Fender Stratocaster guitar that is collecting dust in someone's attic or the 1958 Chevrolet Impala that is collecting dust in someone's barn.

Being able to work with the group of law enforcement veterans that the tribe currently employ's is every supervisor's idea of the perfect set up. Each officer, whether Assistant Chief, Corporal, Detective or Patrolman, has his own expertise, that makes the department a well-rounded office that is second to none! It is a fraternity of sorts and we all have each other's "6".

Christen Lee

Planning & Natural Resources Director

My personal mission statement: Inspire those around me to become stewards of their own environment and to ensure the next generation has natural resources they can enjoy.

I graduated from Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) sixteen years ago with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health/Wildlife Biology. I was very fortunate find a job in the field I love. My first professional position was with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as a Park Naturalist and the following spring I began my career with Wyandotte Nation as the Environmental Director.

Planning, Health Inspector and a few other hats have since been added to my title.

Before graduation, I worked for MSSU, the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce; I was a substitute teacher for JACS, a vet tech., and a wildlife researcher at Wolf Park in Battleground, Indiana.

I enjoy working with the public, especially children. I also love research projects and site development. My favorite thing about working for the Wyandotte Nation is that each day is a little different.

When I am not working, I enjoy volunteering my time with my daughter's Girl Scout troop and my son's Boy Scout troop. I also love art, flea marketing, fishing, reading and spending time with my three young children and three fur babies.

Ben Schwarting

Accounting Director

I have worked my way through my career from sacking groceries and mowing the grass, to operating high precision analytical testing equipment, and accounting/finance in a multitude of capacities.

My approach to being a "leader” is that of being a part of a mini-team inside of bigger-team. It takes a village!

Right now, any free time is spent either watching, playing, or buying something to do with baseball.