Meet Our Team

Meet The American Indian College Fund Team

President and CEO

Cheryl Crazy Bull (Sicangu Lakota)

“Mitakuyepi, Relatives”

Only 15% of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) age 25 and older have a college degree — less than half of that of other groups in the United States. This reflects the college access and completion crisis amongst Native peoples today. The American Indian College Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, helps Native people meet their full potential by helping them access a higher education. But financial support is not enough. The College Fund also provides Native students with the tools, programs, and support they need to succeed.

The results are worth it. A higher education is equated with improved rates of employment, self-esteem, and health outcomes, creating a healthier and happier future for individuals, families, and communities.

My work in my near 40-year education career is inspired by the TCU founders’ vision to serve the entire community. When I attend a TCU graduation, I see young people who entered college from high school, students who earned a GED and stayed to get a certificate or degree, and older students who spent years pursuing a degree while working and raising a family. With your support, we can provide even more Native students with a higher education and the tools they need to build a bright future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Pilamayayapi (thank you) for your support and friendship,

Wacinyanpi Win (They Depend on Her)

Cheryl Crazy Bull (Sicangu Lakota)

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Leadership Team

Tammy Miller-Carlson, CPA

Tammy Miller-Carlson, CPA

Chief Financial and Operations Officer

NancyJo Houk

NancyJo Houk

Chief Marketing and Development Officer

David Sanders, Ph.D.

David Sanders, Ph.D.

(Oglala Lakota) Vice President, Research, Evaluation and Faculty Development

Emily R. White Hat, J.D.

Emily R. White Hat, J.D.

(Sicangu Lakota) Vice President, Programs

Tiffany Gusbeth

Tiffany Gusbeth

(Northern Cheyenne) Vice President, Student Success Services

American Indian College Fund
Board of Trustees

The American Indian College Fund’s Board of Trustees meets three times per year. Under the charter of the American Indian College Fund, 50% of the Board of Trustees must be tribal college and university presidents.

Trustees serve a term of three years.

Governing Board of Trustees 2023-24

Chair

Leander “Russ” McDonald, Ph.D.
President
United Tribes Technical College

1st Vice Chair

Cynthia Lindquist, Ph.D.
President
Candeska Cikana Community College

2nd Vice Chair

Sandra Boham, Ed.D.
President
Salish Kootenai College

Member At Large

Michael Purvis
Retired

Resource Development Chair

Brenda Pipestem, J.D.
Of Counsel
Pipestem & Nagel Law

Kathy Baird
Chief Communications Officer
The Washington Post

Holly Lunsford
Vice President,
Finance Foodservice and On-Premise
The Coca-Cola Company

Twyla Baker, Ph.D.
President
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College

Michael Oltrogge, Ph.D.
President
Nebraska Indian Community College

Duane Bedell
President
Bay Mills Community College

Bill Parker
Retired

Ashley Hubka
Senior Vice President & General Manager
Walmart

Monte Randall, Ed.D.
President
College of the Muscogee Nation

Haven Gourneau
President
Fort Peck Community College

Charles “Monty” Roessel, Ed.D.
President
Diné College

Justin Guillory, Ph.D.
President
Northwest Indian College

Angela “Denine” Torr
Executive Director,
Dollar General Literacy Foundation & Senior Director, Corporate Community Initiatives; Dollar General Corporation 

Dawson Her Many Horses, MBA
Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager
Wells Fargo

Meredi Vaughan
CEO
Vladimir Jones

Dan King, MBA
President
Red Lake Nation College

Non-Governing Board of Trustees

Ex-Officio Trustee

Carrie Billy, Esq.
President and CEO
American Indian Higher Education Consortium

Emeritus Trustees

Kimberly Blanchard, Esq.

Gail Bruce
Ramscale Studio

Anne Sward Hansen

Committee Advisor

Robert G. Martin, Ed. D.
President
Institute of American Indian Arts

Employees

The College Fund places its mission at the core of everything we do and how we do it. Our team is focused on creating and improving opportunity for Native individuals and communities who need it most. We thrive in our dedication to accomplishing our work together as a whole team.