Agenda

Registration

Breakfast

General Session

Opening Blessing and Cultural Sharing

NAFOA Welcome

Host Tribe Welcome, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians

Conference Co-Chairs Welcome

Surveying Sovereignty: Tribal Data & Economic Self-Determination

Guided by Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles, CICD's 2024 data stewardship project partnered with tribes in the Pacific Northwest and East Coast to securely collect and analyze tribal government finance data. Participating tribes received comparative reports, benchmarking their data against other governments and an anonymized, aggregated sample of tribal data. This panel will explore the implications of tribal data sharing for economic sovereignty, including discussing the project and preliminary findings.

Moderator:

Melanie Benjamin, Secretary, NAFOA Board of Directors

Speakers:

Casey Lozar, Director, Center for Indian Country Development - Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

AI and The Future of Financial Systems

AI agents are transforming software, creating unprecedented opportunities for tribal communities. This session explores how they redefine software categories and transform traditional business applications into dynamic, AI-driven experiences. Join us to discuss the future of tribal financial professionals in this new age of AI.

Speakers:

Matt Borkowski, Director of Business Application Sales, Arctic IT

Greg Starling, Head of Emerging Technologies, Doyon Technology Group

Tribal Priorities in the 119th Congress

A conversation on strategies for navigating the complex federal funding landscape affecting Tribal Nations in the 119th Congress. This timely session will decode the critical mechanisms shaping tribal program funding, examining three pivotal legislative vehicles: continuing resolutions, which create uncertainty for ongoing tribal programs; budget reconciliation, which offers strategic opportunities outside standard appropriations; and legislative priorities of the new administration, which can significantly impact tribal funding streams.

Speakers:

Aurene Martin, Managing Partner, Spirit Rock Consulting, LLC

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

Break

Breakout Sessions

Reimagining Tribal Enterprises: Diversification in Action

This session will explore tribal economic diversification strategies in Indian Country, examining three key business models: mergers and acquisitions (M&A), tribal agriculture enterprises, and the established pathway of travel-related businesses of gas stations and convenience stores. Panelists will share the latest industry updates and practical insights on actionable strategies for tribes at every stage of their economic development strategies.

Speakers:

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

Dustin Murray, Tribal Administrator, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians

Christine Swanick, Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

From Paper to Practice: Tribal Strategic Planning in Action

Explore how tribes can create and sustain strategic plans that drive real organizational impact. This discussion will focus on practical approaches to keep plans relevant amidst growth and change, focusing on strategies to effectively implement them across leadership, staff, and community stakeholders. Learn how to turn static plans into dynamic tools that guide decision-making and align efforts toward the tribe's long-term vision.

Speakers:

Anita Frederick, Executive Director, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa: Tribal Nations Research Group

Brenda Tomow, Tribal Administration, Planner, Menominee Indian Tribe

Ernest Vargas, Jr., Founding Director, KOSO Strategies

Ben Barnes, Chief, Shawnee Tribe

Policy and Power: Navigating Tribal Energy Funding Challenges

Given the shifting political landscape and uncertain federal infrastructure funding, tribal energy development projects require strategic evaluation. This session connects policy experts to explore funding opportunities, application strategies, and successful case studies, while discussing how tribes can adapt to changes in federal programs. Attendees will also gain practical insights on navigating current and emerging funding paths for advancing tribal energy infrastructure projects.

Moderator:

Rebecca Naragon, Economic Development Director, USET

Speakers:

Onna LaBeau, Chief Impact Officer, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy

Luncheon

Breakout Sessions

Corrective Action Plans 101: A Guide for Tribes Managing Audit Findings

After the Single Audit, your Tribe might shudder at the thought of the words findings, questioned costs, and deficiencies. The most effective way to resolve an audit finding for a federal grant is by implementing a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). Join this session to learn how CAPS can help address the underlying risks associated with audit findings, strengthen Tribal financial management, and help provide a roadmap to the desired future state for your Tribe.

Speakers:

Jake Suppah. Chief Financial Officer, Pit River Tribe

From Consultation to Collaboration: The Critical Work of TTAC

The Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee has been a vital resource for tribal collaboration with the United States Department of the Treasury. In this session we will explore TTAC's history and discuss their efforts in keeping TTAC operational and at the forefront of this new administration.

Speakers:

Will Micklin, 4th Vice President, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska,

Martin Tucker, CFO, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Navigating IRA Energy Incentives in Indian Country

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is facing major administrative and legislative changes from both the new Congress and Administration. This session explores how tribes can maximize the potential changes facing the IRA and clean energy opportunities currently being offered, including direct pay for qualifying projects. Learn practical approaches to navigate program requirements and optimize green energy investments for tribal communities.

Speaker:

Joel Laubenstein, Principle, Baker Tilly US, LLP

Doug Kolker, Partner, Wipfli LLP

Refreshment Break

Breakout Sessions

Uniform Guidance Revisions and Reminders

With a new Administration and decision-makers, federal agencies have begun codifying 2 CFR 200 and implementing the new changes to Uniform Guidance. Our panelist will cover the changes and provide tips to help your Tribal government manage federal grants and contracts as seamlessly as possible. Using real-world examples, they'll explore common grant compliance issues and best practices to minimize red tape and ensure smooth program operation.

Moderator:

Anita Shah, Partner, Moss Adams LLP

Hey ChatGPT, Automate my Accounting Entries

Tribal organizations can now leverage AI to enhance efficiency and unlock new possibilities. This session explores how tribes can use large language AI models to generate code and automate tasks within familiar software environments. Discover how AI can empower tribal staff to optimize operations, enhance service delivery, and strengthen data-driven decision-making to better serve their communities.

Speakers:

Logan Green, Director of Finance, Suquamish Tribe

Rodrigo Macias, CEO/Partner, Altitude Advisory Group

Dainna McArthur, CFO, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians

President's Reception

Registration

Breakfast

Women's Leadership Breakfast

This breakfast will provide a forum for women tribal leaders and others in key tribal finance positions to exchange ideas, share experiences, and inspire each other to achieve their goals.

Board of Directors Election Voting

General Session

Opening Blessing and Cultural Sharing

Board of Director Campaign Speeches

Tribal Sovereignty in Times of Transition

Join distinguished tribal leaders for a candid discussion on navigating complex political landscapes and advancing tribal sovereignty. Tribal Executives share seasoned insights from decades of leadership, exploring successful strategies for protecting tribal interests across changing administrations. Learn how these leaders built lasting relationships with federal partners while maintaining cultural values and advancing tribal economies. This interactive session offers rare access to tribal leadership's collective wisdom on advancing Native nations' priorities in an evolving political environment.

Moderator:

Rodney Butler, Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Speakers:

Manuel Heart, Chairman, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe

Stephen Lewis, Governor, Gila River Indian Community

Geoffrey Standing Bear, Principal Chief, Osage Nation

Regional Perspectives on Tribal Policy in 2025

Leaders from regional tribal organizations convene to discuss tribal priorities, insights, and strategies in the new administration. Learn what regional organizations are doing in policy and advocacy work in the near term and their long-term vision and strategy for advancing the work of Indian Country.

Moderator:

Kitcki Carroll, Executive Director, USET

Speakers:

Scott Vele, Executive Director, MAST

Amber Shulz-Oliver , Executive Director, ATNI

Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director NCAI

Celebrating Native Women in Historic Leadership Roles

Native Women are reclaiming their central roles in Tribal social, political, and economic systems, with unprecedented advancement into state and federal leadership positions. Join us to hear directly from trailblazing Native Women who have broken barriers in historic leadership roles. These groundbreaking leaders will share personal journeys that illuminate both challenges and triumphs in their ascent to influential roles. Their unique perspectives offer invaluable insights on effective governance, cultural wisdom, and the evolving landscape of Indian Country.

Speakers:

Lynn Malerba, Lifetime Chief. Mohegan Tribe

Affie Ellis, Former Wyoming State Senator

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

Break

Breakout Sessions

Contingency Planning for Pauses in Federal Funding

When federal funding is disrupted, tribal governments must sustain essential services and operations. This interactive session provides strategies for managing funding uncertainties, including analyzing reserve funds and revenue streams, as well as developing phased contingency plans to address challenges ranging from sequestration to grant delays. Participants will workshop through real scenarios, share experiences, and leave equipped with actionable frameworks to build their nation’s financial strength and protect essential services.

Moderator:

Lacey Horn, CEO, Native Advisory

Speakers:

Alexandrea Helms, Chief Financial Officer, Bishop Paiute Tribe

Onawa Haynes, CEO/Founder, Hozhonigo Consulting LLC

Insights on Tribal Tax Legislation in 2025

Following last year’s Spring Conference, Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI) introduced the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act (H.R. 8318), and NAFOA has helped to lead the effort on its passage. With a new Congress and Administration, tribal tax parity faces new challenges and opportunities. Find out about the status of the legislation, what the next steps are for tribal tax parity, and get an update on NAFOA’s Tribal Tax Working Group.

Speakers:

John Morseau,, Tribal Councilman, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

Data Sovereignty in the Cloud

This session will explore strategies on safeguarding sensitive tribal data and upholding tribal organizational control in the cloud. Learn how to leverage cloud-native ERP features, secure data flows, and collaborate with providers to meet sovereignty requirements without compromising on innovation or efficiency. As tribes move more information to the cloud learn more about effective practices for protecting tribal data.

Leadership 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

Saving Time and Money: Modernizing Tribal Procurement

Before a Tribe can address new housing for citizens, build a new Tribal Administrative Office or upgrade infrastructure using federal grants, it needs to navigate a complex maze of procurement requirements. Beginning on October 1, 2024, new revisions of the Uniform Guidance permit Tribes to be treated the same as states, thereby allowing them to follow their own procurement policies and procedures. Attend this session to learn the advantages to the Tribe that can reduce burden, compliance issues, and save the Tribe money.

Speakers:

Martin Tucker, CFO, Choctaw Nation

Sean McCabe CPA, Controller, Navajo Nation

Tanya Marie Schmockel, Chief Compliance Officer, Chippewa Cree Tribe

Building an Effective Finance Team

Discover strategies for recruiting, retaining, and developing the next generation of tribal finance professionals in this engaging session. Learn how forward-thinking tribal organizations are addressing talent challenges through innovative approaches to workforce development, meaningful career pathways, and culturally-responsive leadership practices. Leave with actionable steps to strengthen your tribal finance team for long-term success.

Speakers:

Mary Mazilo, President, Malii Advisory LLC

Federal Financing?

In recent years Congress has increased the number of federal loan programs and tax credits available to Tribes. These new financing options are a major shift away from many of the programs and grants that tribes have experience working with. Our panel of experts will discuss some of these new initiatives, what tribes need to be aware of when accessing federal loans or federally backed loans, how to manage federal loan programs, and what to be aware of when applying or accessing tax credits.

Speakers:

Telly Meier, Partner, Hobbs Strauss Dean & Walker LLP

Geoff Urbina, Managing Director, Key Bank

Refreshment Break

Breakout Sessions

The Risky Business of Securing AI

As tribal organizations increasingly integrate artificial intelligence, they face unique and evolving cybersecurity threats. This session provides practical frameworks for securing AI systems across their lifecycle—from development to deployment. Attendees will gain the knowledge and tools needed to conduct thorough risk assessments and perform effective vulnerability scans, ensuring the protection of AI investments and sensitive data.

Speakers:

Troy Hawes, Managing Director, Cybersecurity Practice, Moss Adams LLP

Abhi Harshwal, Chief Technology Officer, Harshwal & Company LLP

GWE Program Implementation, Innovation, and Impact

This dynamic session brings together Tribal Leaders and GWE Program Administrators from different tribes, offering a unique opportunity to understand how different nations have designed, implemented, and refined their GWE programs to meet their communities' distinct needs. Whether your tribe is launching a new GWE program or seeking to enhance existing benefits, this session offers valuable lessons learned and practical strategies that can be adapted to your community's unique circumstances.

Moderator:

Elke Chenevey
Partner and Financial Advisor, FSA TPA

Speakers:

Crystal Stephenson, Tribal Council Treasurer, Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas

Courtney Burgess, Tribal Treasurer, Otoe-Missouria Tribe

Susie Crowe-Wolfe, Accounting Director, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
 

Closing Reception

Join us to celebrate a productive conference on Tuesday, April 29th at Mardi Gras World.  After two full days of sessions packed with informative and helpful content, come and enjoy an evening of networking, food, and fun at our closing reception.