At the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - 777 W Cherokee St, Catoosa, OK 74015
Special Guests
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr
Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner
Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner
Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner
Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner
Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner
Presenters
Danny McCarter
Danny McCarter
Danny McCarter
I was born in Tahlequah Oklahoma at Hastings Hospital and grew up in Tahlequah and raised my family here as well and have always considered myself a very lucky man to have been blessed with the life I was given. I was presented the honor of being named a Cherokee National Treasure in September of 2021 for Cherokee Blowgun and Darts (Tradi
I was born in Tahlequah Oklahoma at Hastings Hospital and grew up in Tahlequah and raised my family here as well and have always considered myself a very lucky man to have been blessed with the life I was given. I was presented the honor of being named a Cherokee National Treasure in September of 2021 for Cherokee Blowgun and Darts (Traditional Weaponry) is the title given to encompass all of Cherokee Nation Weapons. I think in my case it is an accumulation of a lifelong pursuit, My life has always followed along the path of the Cherokee people and their lifestyle of kindness and teaching. My Grandparents both Maternal and Paternal were full blood Cherokee with that being their point of pride and this is where I learned that being Cherokee comes with a sense of responsibility to educate people how the Cherokee differ from other Native tribes and different races of people. My jobs that I have had through the years have always included the service of the Cherokee people and displaying the Cherokee lifestyle and History and how the Cherokee learned from their experiences and chose to retain them to avoid making those some mistakes as the tribe grows and progresses.
James Callie
Danny McCarter
Danny McCarter
James Callie, Cultural Specialist at Community & Cultural Outreach, has been a lifelong resident of Tahlequah, OK. At an early age, he was immersed in the Cherokee culture. Some of his earliest memories with his family include attending the ceremonial grounds. James is an avid learner, especially with Cherokee cultural traditions, and is
James Callie, Cultural Specialist at Community & Cultural Outreach, has been a lifelong resident of Tahlequah, OK. At an early age, he was immersed in the Cherokee culture. Some of his earliest memories with his family include attending the ceremonial grounds. James is an avid learner, especially with Cherokee cultural traditions, and is always willing to share his knowledge with others who want to learn.
Dawni Squrriel
Danny McCarter
Dawni Squrriel
Dawni Squirrel is Deer Clan and lives in the Cherokee Community of Kenwood. Dawni is the
Cultural Advisor for the Cherokee Nation, and has been focused on Cultural Revitalization in life
and work for over twenty-five years. Dawni has taught cultural classes in local and at-large
Cherokee communities, specializing in Cherokee Spirituality.
Dawni Squirrel is Deer Clan and lives in the Cherokee Community of Kenwood. Dawni is the
Cultural Advisor for the Cherokee Nation, and has been focused on Cultural Revitalization in life
and work for over twenty-five years. Dawni has taught cultural classes in local and at-large
Cherokee communities, specializing in Cherokee Spirituality. Dawni is currently working on her
Master’sDegree in Cultural Administration at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.
Dawni is a proud Mother and Grandmother and enjoys spending time with them at the creek near
her home.
Noel Grayson
Charles Twist
Noel Grayson
JOM School Specialist & Cherokee National Treasure
Cherokee Nation
Noel Grayson and his brothers used to make bows and arrows as kids using sticks and chicken feathers.
As he grew up, he dedicated himself to learning how to make these tools in the traditional Cherokee manner. What started off as a hobby, soon became his passion as he worke
JOM School Specialist & Cherokee National Treasure
Cherokee Nation
Noel Grayson and his brothers used to make bows and arrows as kids using sticks and chicken feathers.
As he grew up, he dedicated himself to learning how to make these tools in the traditional Cherokee manner. What started off as a hobby, soon became his passion as he worked to perfect his craft.
Noel was one of the youngest people to be recognized as a Cherokee National Treasure, a distinction given to
Master Craftspeople who are carrying on and
teaching traditional crafts of the Cherokee Nation.
Charlie Soap
Charles Twist
Noel Grayson
Mr. Soap has dedicated virtually his entire career to working to strengthen the many Cherokee communities in northeastern Oklahoma. Serving under three chiefs, he served as the community service group leader for the Cherokee Nation, overseeing a $100 million budget dedicated to public transit services, roads, bridges and infrastructure pr
Mr. Soap has dedicated virtually his entire career to working to strengthen the many Cherokee communities in northeastern Oklahoma. Serving under three chiefs, he served as the community service group leader for the Cherokee Nation, overseeing a $100 million budget dedicated to public transit services, roads, bridges and infrastructure projects, environmental health services, self-help housing assistance, youth programs and natural disaster relief.
Now a tribal elder, Mr. Soap remains an active and authoritative voice on community development. In 2021, the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma enacted The Wilma P. Mankiller and Charlie Soap Water Act to ensure that everyone on the Cherokee Nation Reservation will be free of any barriers to accessing clean, safe water,” Chief Chuck Hoskin announced.
Charles Twist
Charles Twist
Charles Twist
Charles’s development began through education, cultural activity, working in the construction industry, pastoring, coaching, and being coached. Born at the beginning of World War II, transitions began quickly moving from Sallisaw, Oklahoma to Portland, Oregon, where his parents found employment in the ship yards. When the war ended, the f
Charles’s development began through education, cultural activity, working in the construction industry, pastoring, coaching, and being coached. Born at the beginning of World War II, transitions began quickly moving from Sallisaw, Oklahoma to Portland, Oregon, where his parents found employment in the ship yards. When the war ended, the family moved to Bakersfield, California where he still resides today.
The journey from apprentice to business owner included time serving the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union at multiple levels. Charles has works as an adjunct instruction at the local community college and is a National Judo Champion, which has helped anchor his life in disciplines requiring endurance and patience. This has enabled him to assist those struggling with life issues and its responses.
Being an ordained minister for thirty years was itself, a life teacher, and set in place the foundation for today, living in balance. Today the honor being acknowledged locally and by the Cherokee Nation as an elder and spiritual advisor only reflects a path any can follow.
Adam Soltani
Ian Adair, MS, ACNP
Lauri Monetti
Dr. Adam Soltani is Chief Programs Officer at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, where he leads a statewide team of trainers, consultants, and program operations staff serving approximately 1,000 nonprofit members across Oklahoma. As a member of the organization’s senior leadership team, he helps shape organizational culture and drives t
Dr. Adam Soltani is Chief Programs Officer at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, where he leads a statewide team of trainers, consultants, and program operations staff serving approximately 1,000 nonprofit members across Oklahoma. As a member of the organization’s senior leadership team, he helps shape organizational culture and drives the delivery of high-quality training and consulting services throughout the state.
Dr. Soltani holds a Doctorate in Leadership from Chicago Theological Seminary, a Master’s in Human Relations with a graduate certificate in Organizational Diversity and Development from the University of Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Central Oklahoma. He previously served as Executive Director of CAIR Oklahoma (2012–2025), leading the organization’s civil rights, advocacy, and interfaith initiatives, and as an Adjunct Instructor of Islamic Studies at Oklahoma State University.
A sought-after speaker on nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, diversity and inclusion, and social justice, Dr. Soltani has addressed audiences at universities and community forums across Oklahoma. His commentary has appeared in the Oklahoma Gazette, Tulsa World, and The Oklahoman, and he has provided expert analysis for local, national, and international media.
His leadership has been recognized with the Oklahoma Human Rights Award, the Interfaith Leadership Award, and the ACLU of Oklahoma’s Civil Libertarian of the Year Award. He has been named among Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEOs, top Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leaders, and — for the fifth consecutive year — one of OKC’s Most Powerful Young Professionals.
Originally from Kansas, Adam has called Oklahoma home for nearly three decades and resides in Oklahoma City with his wife and two sons.
Lauri Monetti
Ian Adair, MS, ACNP
Lauri Monetti
Lauri Monetti is a nonprofit strategist and leadership consultant with extensive experience in governance, fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational development. She has led high-impact initiatives in major institutions, including the American Red Cross, the University of Central Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits,
Lauri Monetti is a nonprofit strategist and leadership consultant with extensive experience in governance, fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational development. She has led high-impact initiatives in major institutions, including the American Red Cross, the University of Central Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, where she guided boards and executives in leadership development, succession planning, and fundraising strategies.
Lauri was a licensed consultant with the Standards for Excellence program, helping organizations implement best practices in ethics and accountability. She has also trained and advised hundreds of nonprofit leaders through executive education, governance workshops, and large-scale professional development initiatives.
She holds a master’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma City University. Additionally, she is certified in Fundraising Management (CFRM) and is a CDR-certified coach.
Ian Adair, MS, ACNP
Ian Adair, MS, ACNP
Ian Adair, MS, ACNP
Ian Adair has spent a career building successful nonprofits. He is a four-time nonprofit CEO, TEDx speaker, author, and recognized expert in leadership, nonprofit management, and employee engagement. Over his 25+ year career he has raised tens of millions of dollars, managed regional and national programs, and presented at more than 200 c
Ian Adair has spent a career building successful nonprofits. He is a four-time nonprofit CEO, TEDx speaker, author, and recognized expert in leadership, nonprofit management, and employee engagement. Over his 25+ year career he has raised tens of millions of dollars, managed regional and national programs, and presented at more than 200 conferences and events around the world.
Ian is a leading voice in a movement to encourage organizational leaders to take bold action to support the mental health and well-being of their workforce in order to foster positive work environments, keep employees engaged, and retain talent. His work has been showcased in regional and national publications, and Ian has been featured in more than 100 radio and podcast episodes.
Ian grew up in Stillwater and Oklahoma City, attended graduate school at the University of Central Oklahoma, and returns every year to Oklahoma to visit family and friends. Currently, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Seattle Police Foundation, where he focuses on enhancing public safety through advocacy, philanthropy, and building strong community partnerships.
Melissa Payne
Rob Sheehan, PH.D.
Rob Sheehan, PH.D.
Born and raised in Fort, Gibson, Oklahoma, Melissa experienced first-hand the impact of what occurs when a community’s social, economic, and political concerns are ignored by local and state institutions. As the daughter of Rodslen Brown King, also a remarkable force for change, Payne matured to become an advocate for others that were not
Born and raised in Fort, Gibson, Oklahoma, Melissa experienced first-hand the impact of what occurs when a community’s social, economic, and political concerns are ignored by local and state institutions. As the daughter of Rodslen Brown King, also a remarkable force for change, Payne matured to become an advocate for others that were not able to stand up for themselves or whose voices were muted by the pain of neglect and oppression.
In her early twenties, Melissa embraced the opportunity to serve on the board of Project A Association, an Oklahoma-based nonprofit assisting troubled children and the elderly in the local community.
Melissa, a Cherokee Freedman descendent, has and continues to embrace the full scope and history of her heritage. A lifelong student of Cherokee Freedman history, she’s led numerous community-driven events and celebrations of her ancestry, each highlighting the contributions of native residents. She has served on committees tasked with the development of exhibits at Cherokee Nation Historic Museum, specifically "We are Cherokee." She also had the opportunity to work with a team out at Rose Cottage, who advanced an investigation of the unmarked graves of former slaves of the Cherokee Nation. Her efforts are now reflected in the great work performed as the president of Project A Associate.
Rob Sheehan, PH.D.
Rob Sheehan, PH.D.
Rob Sheehan, PH.D.
Rob Sheehan has more than thirty years of executive management experience, including eighteen years as the CEO of two different national nonprofits. His research and academic publications are focused on leadership, strategy, and organizational effectiveness. His background and experiences have included serving as CEO of LeaderShape, Inc.
Rob Sheehan has more than thirty years of executive management experience, including eighteen years as the CEO of two different national nonprofits. His research and academic publications are focused on leadership, strategy, and organizational effectiveness. His background and experiences have included serving as CEO of LeaderShape, Inc. from 1992-2001 and CEO of the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity & Educational Foundation from 1981-90.
At the Smith School, he previously served as Academic Director of Executive MBA Programs at the Smith School of Business.
He received his Master’s degree and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. While at Ohio State, he directed The Excellence in Philanthropy research project, which became the basis for his dissertation “Mission Accomplishment as Philanthropic Organization Effectiveness.” His B.A. is from Westminster College, PA.
Rob is an active member of ARNOVA (Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action) and the Academy of Management. He has been published in leading nonprofit research journals—including Nonprofit Management & Leadership and Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly. Rob is also an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and attained the association's CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation in 1986. He is author of Mission Impact: Breakthrough Strategy for Nonprofits, a book which introduces an innovation-based approach to strategic planning for nonprofits.
Bailey Gordon
Rob Sheehan, PH.D.
Bailey Gordon
Founder & Fundraising Strategist, BGC Fundraising
With over 15 years of boots-on-the-ground experience in Oklahoma’s nonprofit sector, Bailey has done it all, from scrappy solo development director to frontline major gifts officer. She saw firsthand how often fundraising teams are overworked, under-resourced, and overwhelmed by unrealistic
Founder & Fundraising Strategist, BGC Fundraising
With over 15 years of boots-on-the-ground experience in Oklahoma’s nonprofit sector, Bailey has done it all, from scrappy solo development director to frontline major gifts officer. She saw firsthand how often fundraising teams are overworked, under-resourced, and overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations.
Bailey started BGC Fundraising to be the partner she always wished she had, one that brings structure without rigidity, strategy without ego, and support without judgment. Since then, BGC has helped nonprofits of all sizes find clarity, build systems, and grow capacity.
Bailey brings deep insight into what actually works in fundraising, paired with the heart of a true collaborator. At the core of her work is a commitment to candor with heart, offering honest guidance with warmth, wit, and respect. Outside of work, Bailey is an avid baker and needlepointer with a soft spot for musicals and a famous pup named Annie (yes, like the redhead). She also secretly knows her sports stats, don’t let the pearls fool you.
Mason Gray
Sacongah Gray is a co-founder of Telliko Canoe Society and a traditional wood carver from Tahlequah Oklahoma who, using historical and contemporary methods and tools, recreates traditional wooden material culture as well as modern art with a foundation in ancient practices and teachings regarding land stewardship and the gathering of mate
Sacongah Gray is a co-founder of Telliko Canoe Society and a traditional wood carver from Tahlequah Oklahoma who, using historical and contemporary methods and tools, recreates traditional wooden material culture as well as modern art with a foundation in ancient practices and teachings regarding land stewardship and the gathering of materials for his craft. Alongside canoe making he is known for carving stickball sticks and traditional archery equipment among other traditional weapons.