Agenda

Registration

Breakfast

General Session

Opening Blessing and Cultural Sharing

NAFOA Welcome

Host Tribe Welcome, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

Conference Co-Chairs Welcome

Redefining Gaming: Prediction Markets Challenge Tribal Gaming

Federally licensed prediction markets are disrupting Tribal gaming by offering sports betting contracts that challenge the regulatory balance established by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). These platforms claim federal authority to operate nationwide, including on Tribal lands, without Tribal consent or state gaming compacts. Our panelists will examine the legal and policy issues involved, ongoing and potential lawsuits, and the urgent need for legislative action to protect Tribal sovereignty and the future of Tribal gaming.

Moderator:

Aurene Martin, Managing Partner, Spirit Rock Consulting, LLC

Speakers:

Rodney Butler, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Denise Harvey, Treasurer, Indian Gaming Association

Scott Crowell, Crowell Law Offices - Tribal Advocacy Group

Balancing the Books or Breaking Promises? The 2026 Federal Budget 

The 2026 federal budget presents both opportunities and challenges for Tribal Nations. Learn from our panelists how proposed investments and cuts could impact Tribal self-determination, economic development, and the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities. The discussion will offer insights for Tribal leaders, advocates, and policy professionals navigating the year ahead.

Speakers:
Tyler Scribner, CEO & Chief Data Officer, Tribal Sovereign Data Analytics, LLC

Liz Malerba, Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs, USET Sovereignty Protection Fund

From Lifting Boxes to Lifting Communities: The Sam McCracken Story

Join NAFOA Leadership Summit Alumni for a fireside chat with Sam McCracken, founder of Nike's N7 initiative and member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribe. Over his 28-year Nike career, McCracken started from forklift operator to general manager, building the world's most influential Indigenous sports brand and channeling over $13.4 million to more than 300 Native organizations through the N7 Fund. McCracken will share insights about navigating corporate leadership as a Native professional, the power of representation in business, and creating authentic partnerships that elevate Indigenous communities.

Speakers:

Sam McCracken, General Manager, Nike N7

McKenna Green, Interim Director, Planning & Grants Department, Lac Courte Oreilles, Alumni Class of 2023

Smith Briggs, Commercial Underwriter, Columbia Bank, Alumni Class of 2022

The Chemawa Station Story of Intertribal Collaboration

This session features the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians as they share the story behind their joint acquisition of property in Keizer, Oregon, and the formation of Chemawa Station, LLC. Attendees will gain insight into the Tribes’ collaborative approach to economic development, including infrastructure investment and the successful commercial leases. The presentation highlights a model for intertribal partnership and strategic land use.

Moderator:

Shana McConville Radford, Director, Tribal Affairs, Office of Governor Kotek, State of Oregon

Speakers:

Delores Pigsley, Tribal Chairman, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

Dan McCue, Co-Executive Officer, Chemawa Station, LLC

Stacia, Hernandez, Co-Executive Officer, Chemawa Station, LLC

Ann Lewis, CEO, Siletz Tribal Business Corporation

General Session Panels are still being finalized and are subject to change

Break

Breakout Sessions

2025 OMB Compliance Supplement and Uniform Guidance

Prepare to navigate the 2025 OMB Compliance Supplement, which incorporates significant revisions made in the 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance 2024. This session will highlight key changes along with the new and revised compliance requirements for every Tribe receiving federal funding. Panelists will provide best practices for approaching these updates with confidence.

Moderator:

Anita Shah, Principal, Moss Adams X Baker Tilly

Virginia Elves, CPA, Stillaguamish Indian Tribe

Scott Huebert, Partner, Finley & Cook, P.L.L.C.

Charlene Robertson, Chief Financial Officer, Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska

Money on a Mission: Philanthropy's Evolving Impact on Indian Country

As federal funding faces unprecedented pressures and reductions, Tribal nations must diversify their funding strategies to maintain essential services and advance community priorities. This session brings together experienced Tribal grant writers and influential philanthropy leaders to explore how the private philanthropy sector is stepping up to fill critical gaps and support Tribal needs.

Moderator:

Onawa Haynes, President, Hozhonigo Institute

Speakers:

Amber Annis, Executive Director, Native Governance Center

Angela Sears, Executive Director, Spirit Mountain Community Fund (Grand Ronde)

Federal Contracting without the Prob-Llamas 🦙

As federal procurement policies evolve, Native-owned businesses must navigate shifting regulations, increased competition, and new compliance demands. This session explores how recent policy shifts are affecting Native access to federal contracts, from entry barriers and compliance burdens to new competitive pathways. Panelists will share how Native-owned businesses are adapting through advocacy, innovation, and partnerships that align with Tribal economic goals.

Moderator:

Quinton Carroll, Executive Director, Native American Contractors Association

Speakers:

Haven Harris, SVP of Growth and Strategy, Bering Straits Native Corporation

Jon Panamaroff, CEO, Command Holdings, A Pequot Company

Luncheon

Breakout Sessions

Financial Leadership from Calculations to Councils

Tribal governance requires navigating complex financial systems. Yet, a gap often exists between Tribal leadership and financial professionals, creating challenges in decision-making and accountability. Whether you're a Tribal leader seeking to enhance your financial knowledge or an accounting professional working with Tribal governments, this session provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed for effective financial stewardship.

Moderator:

Ryan Luetkemeyer, Principal, Baker Tilly

Speakers:

Patrick Gallardo, Director of Finance, Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians

Hattie Mitchell, CFO, Forest County Potawatomi Community

Meekin Houser Hulvey, Finance Director, Modoc Nation

Inside S. 2022: The Tribal Tax Bill Leveling the Playing Field

The Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act, S. 2022, recently introduced by Senators Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Murkowski (R-AK), builds on last year’s legislation with important changes aimed at strengthening Tribal economies. NAFOA continues to lead advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, supporting provisions such as tax-exempt bond issuance and expanded tax credits. This overview provides a concise update on the bill’s progress, key provisions, next steps, and how Tribal communities can support its passage.

Moderator:

Jennifer Van der Heide, Partner, Spirit Rock Consulting, LLC

Speakers:

Robert Yoder, Attorney, Yoder & Langford, P.C.

Telly Meier, Partner, Hobbs Strauss Dean & Walker LLP

Nicole Borromeo, President, ANCSA Regional Association

Filling the Data Gaps for Tribal Economic Progress

Limited sample sizes and incomplete data have created persistent challenges in accurately understanding economic conditions in Indian Country. Tribal economic development practitioners must navigate these gaps to make informed decisions. The Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) has developed public data products and internal datasets to provide accessible research that offers a more comprehensive view of Indian Country. CICD researchers will present key findings from two datasets and one data tool, alongside practitioners who will share how they use this information to guide their Tribes’ futures.

Moderator:

H Trostle, Senior Policy Analyst, CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Speakers:

Ava LaPlante, Research Assistant, CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Rebecca George, Executive Director, Washington Indian Gaming Association

Refreshment Break

Breakout Sessions

Watt’s the Buzz on Financing Tribal Energy

Tribes are making progress in energy development, but securing capital remains a challenge. Given the high costs involved, external funding is often essential. Strategic partnerships with non-Tribal entities can help fill the gap, offering financial resources, technical expertise, and market access. Learn from experts about how to navigate funding opportunities, manage risk, and build partnerships that support Tribal priorities and advance sustainable energy development and sovereignty.

Moderator:

Mike Fesl, Director, Native American Financial Services, KeyBank

Speakers:

Kevin Blaser, Vice President of Business Development, Colusa Indian Energy

Sharol McDade, President, MACWORX

Todd Halvorsen, Head of Energy Finance & Structuring, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Orange Book Round Table Discussion

This session offers the opportunity to directly support the forthcoming updates and revisions to the Financial Reporting and Information Guide for Tribal Governments and Enterprises (the NAFOA Orange Book). Attendees are invited to provide critical input and pose essential questions regarding topics that require clarification and expansion. Your participation in this round table discussion will ensure this definitive guide continues to empower tribal governments and enterprises as they navigate complex financial reporting, compliance, and economic development challenges.

Speakers:

Cody Harjo, Institute Director, NAFOA

Corrine Wilson, CPA, Tribal Finance Consultant

President's Reception

Registration

Breakfast

General Session

Opening Blessing and Cultural Sharing

Orange You Excited? NAFOA News & The Year Ahead

Executive Director Cory Blankenship will provide a detailed update on NAFOA’s recent accomplishments in policy and Institute programming. This overview will outline key priorities and upcoming initiatives designed to support Tribal leaders and finance professionals in strengthening financial management and advancing Tribal sovereignty. Learn about specific opportunities to engage with NAFOA’s work in the coming year.

Speaker:

Cory Blankenship, Executive Director, NAFOA

Bankruptcy and Business Pivots in Indian Country

The 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Lac du Flambeau Band v. Coughlin effectively prevents Tribal entities from filing for bankruptcy relief, creating major financial challenges. Economic setbacks are rarely discussed in Indian Country, yet they offer valuable lessons for growth. Panelists will examine alternative restructuring methods, policy solutions, and approaches to evaluating distressed assets. They will also discuss how Tribal values and governance shape recovery strategies and share practical tools to manage crises and rebuild stronger.

Moderator:

Bryan Small, Tribal Practice Lead, DWH

Speakers:

Christine Swanick, Partner, Sheppard Mullin

Jody Cummings, General Counsel, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

James Meggesto, Partner, Holland & Knight

Prepare for Arrival: PDX Indigenous Influence

When millions of travelers pass through Portland International Airport, they walk beneath a stunning mass timber ceiling—but they're actually experiencing something revolutionary: one of the largest public infrastructure projects in the United States built primarily with Tribally sourced materials. This dynamic panel brings together leaders from tribal nations who turned the PDX redevelopment into a multi-million dollar economic opportunity that strengthened Tribal sovereignty, created jobs, and transformed how major infrastructure projects source materials.

Speakers:

Carla Keene, Chairman, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua

Tom Strong, Chief Executive Officer, Skokomish Indian Tribe

Vince Granato, PDXNext Chief Projects Officer, Port of Portland

US Treasurer Brandon Beach

NAFOA hosts United States Treasurer Brandon Beach, who will deliver remarks about his journey to the Treasury, the administration’s priorities, and working alongside the TTAC to advance Tribal Economies.

Speaker:

Brandon Beach, Treasurer of the United States, U.S. Department of the Treasury

General Session Panels are still being finalized and are subject to change

Break

Breakout Sessions

Best Practices for Financial Audits and Agency Reviews

Beyond mandatory external financial audits, Tribal governments encounter a complex array of federal and state agency demands, including desk reviews, on-site monitoring visits, and follow-up investigations. This session will equip Tribal leaders and finance professionals with proven strategies for audit and review preparedness. It covers robust internal controls, meticulous documentation, and adherence to federal regulations while upholding Tribal sovereignty. Attendees will gain actionable tools to transform regulatory challenges into powerful demonstrations of excellence in Tribal governance.

Moderator:

Jennifer Parisien, Policy Advisor, Office of Tribal & Native Affairs, Office of Tribal & Native Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Speakers:

Alan Post, Tribal Director, Wipfli

Mike Dierlam, Audit Principal, REDW LLC

Lupita Martinez, Principal, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

The 411 on 105(l) Leases

Section 105(l) leases, which allow Tribes to lease their facilities back to the federal government, are rapidly becoming a foundational source of infrastructure funding throughout Indian Country. Early leases largely funded existing structures, but Tribes are now using the expectation of future lease revenue to finance new infrastructure projects. Panelists will discuss the history of Section 105(l) leases, how Tribes can leverage Section 105(l) funding to finance new infrastructure projects, and potential policy issues facing the program.

Moderator:

Phil Gover, Senior Project Manager, CICD, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Speakers:

Lenny Fineday, Secretary/Treasurer, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

David Lockhart, Director, Tribal Administrative Services, FSA Advisory Group

Geoffrey Strommer, Partner, Hobbs Strauss Dean & Walker LLP

Banks, Bonds, and Beyond: Expanding Financing Options for Tribal Projects

Tribes are advancing economic growth through large-scale infrastructure, housing, and development projects that transform their communities. This panel will analyze capital financing strategies including traditional syndicated bank loans, bond issuance, and hybrid financing structures designed to optimize flexibility while managing risk. Participants will learn how Tribes secure funding for a range of projects from renewable energy and hospitality to affordable housing and critical infrastructure.

Moderator:

Ben Rechkemmer, Managing Director & Head of Native American Financial Services, Keybanc Capital Markets

Speakers:

James Colombe, Policy Advisor, Office of Tribal & Native Affairs, Office of Tribal & Native Affairs, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Jeremy Johnson, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager, Wells Fargo

Kristi Jackson, Chairperson, TFA Capital Partners

Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon

Please join us as we honor tribal leaders and finance professionals for their outstanding contributions to improving economic conditions in Indian Country.

Breakout Sessions

Tribal Budgets Beyond the Federal Dollar

Federal funding reductions are no longer a distant possibility—they're today's reality. This session equips Tribal leaders with the strategic tools and practical frameworks needed to fortify their nation's financial foundation and achieve true economic sovereignty. Learn how to build sustainable funding streams that protect essential government services while reducing dependence on unpredictable federal appropriations.

Moderator:

Jackson Brossy, Vice President, Native American Financial Services, The Huntington National Bank

Speakers:

Jean Swift, CFO, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Billy Nicholson, CFO, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Jeffery Capoeman, Director, Tribal Administrative Services, FSA

Tribal Leaders at the Table: Shaping Treasury Policy Through TTAC

The Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee is an important point of Tribal relations and collaboration with the United States Department of the Treasury. Join us for updates on General Welfare Exclusion (GWE) and Tribally Chartered Corporations rulemaking, as final rules are expected by the end of 2025. This session will also provide an opportunity for Tribal leaders and practitioners to provide input on issues the TTAC should consider in the coming year

Moderator:

Ken Parsons, Partner, Holland & Knight

Speakers:

Chief Allan, Chairman, Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Cora White Horse, Tribal Treasurer, Oglala Sioux Tribe

Rodney Butler, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Will Micklin, Vice President, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska

GASB Update: What’s New in Financial Reporting

Navigate critical changes in governmental financial reporting with the latest GASB implementation guidance and upcoming standards. This session covers current Governmental Accounting Standards Board statements being implemented, including compensated absences, certain risk disclosures, financial reporting model improvements, and certain capital asset disclosures. Panelists will also discuss upcoming issues such as revenue and expense recognition, severe financial stress and probable dissolution disclosures, infrastructure assets, and subsequent events.

Moderator:

Roberta Reese, Senior Project Manager, GASB

Speakers:

Hattie Mitchell, CFO, Forest County Potawatomi Community

Pam Dolan, Senior Project Manager, GASB

Tasha Repp, Principal, Baker Tilly

Refreshment Break

Breakout Sessions

In the Weeds of Tribal Cannabis

The panel will discuss trends and statistics in Tribal cannabis businesses, focusing on how Tribes diversify their economies through Tribally-owned businesses, regulating member businesses, and third-party partnerships. The session will provide actionable insights for economic development rather than legal issues. Learn about Tribes exercising sovereignty in plant medicine and using cannabis revenue for community programs amid federal cuts.

Moderator:

Matthew Klas, Senior Associate, KlasRobinson Q.E.D.

Speakers:

Mary Jane Oatman, Executive Director/COO, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association

Josh Gabel, Tribal Council Treasurer, Snoqualmie Tribe

Jeremy Hayward, President, RREDCO

Make it Make Sense! The Federal Budget Process and Its Impact on Tribal Programs

Moderator:

Tyler Scribner, CEO & Chief Data Officer, Tribal Sovereign Data Analytics, LLC

Speakers:

Aurene Martin, Managing Partner, Spirit Rock Consulting, LLC

Liz Malerba, Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs, USET Sovereignty Protection Fund

Liz Carr, VP of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cedar Rock Alliance

Closing Reception - Punch Bowl Social

Cap off an inspiring week at NAFOA's Fall Conference with a night of unforgettable fun at the closing reception at Punch Bowl Social. Join fellow attendees for an evening filled with karaoke, bowling, classic arcade games, snacks, and signature drinks.