Poarch Band of Creek Indians Councilman Eddie Tullis (left) speaks at a reception honoring four individuals from the USET region who were honored by NCAIED in 2012 for the “Native American 40 Under 40” awards. Shown (left-right) are Tullis, USET president Brian Patterson, USET executive director Kitcki Carroll, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino vice president for marketing Paxton Myers, and program specialist for the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) Rebecca Narragon. (USET photo)
WASHINGTON – During 2012, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) honored four individuals from the United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc (USET) region as recipients of the prestigious national “Native American 40 Under 40” recognition awards. At a reception Monday, Feb. 4 in Washington, DC, USET honored those selected for the NCAIED award.
Recipients for 2012 include Tribal Council Chairman Kyle Williams (Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas), U.S. Department of Interior’s Office of Indian Energy & Economic Development Program Specialist Rebecca Naragon (Poarch Band of Creek Indians), National Indian Gaming Commission Chief of Staff Paxton Myers (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), and USET Executive Director Kitcki A. Carroll (Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma).
USET President Brian Patterson and Poarch Band of Creek Indian Councilman Eddie Tullis praised the group of individuals selected by NCAIED. President Patterson said, “USET Leadership is extremely proud of the accomplishments and contributions made by these amazing and deserving individuals. We are proud of each person and how they have served their communities. The award is prestigious and marks greatness in our USET region. It is also a shining example of accomplishments and leadership for our younger generations to achieve.”
Poarch Band of Creek Indian Councilman Eddie Tullis told the audience at the reception, “It is a great day when USET has membership of 26 of the more than 500 federally recognized Tribes in America. Of the top 40 selected, 10 percent serve USET. It says we have exceptional people doing exceptional things for our people and Indian Country. I am extremely proud of them.”
Kyle Williams serves as Chairman of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. Prior to being elected to Tribal Council in 2008, Chairman Williams served his people in the Tribal Environmental Office. In addition to his work for the Tribe, he has recently been selected to serve as the Tribal Representative for the Regional Tribal Conservation Advisory Council. He was also instrumental in establishing a Tribal Police Department for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe. The Department will soon be recognized by the 82nd Texas State Legislature which convenes in January 2013. He has also started a Fitness Program for Tribal employees, chairs the Tribal annual youth conference and serves on various other boards. Kyle is a member of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas (Livingston, Texas).
Rebecca Naragon is a Program Specialist for the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED), Division of Economic Development, in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior. In addition to her service with IEED, Ms. Naragon participated in the 2010/11 Class of the Ambassador Leadership Program through Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO). Rebecca is a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama (Atmore, Alabama).
Paxton Myers has been named the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel Vice President of Casino Marketing. He recently served as the Chief of Staff for the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). In addition to the NIGC, Myers has worked as the Advisor on Native American Affairs for Michigan Representative (5th District) Dale Kildee, who was serving as the Chairman of the House Native American Caucus. Prior to his service in DC, Myers worked as the Chief of Staff and Governmental Affairs Liaison for Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Michell A. Hicks. Paxton is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (Cherokee, North Carolina).
Kitcki A. Carroll has served as Executive Director for USET for the past 2 ½ years. In this role he is directly responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the organization. He has held various Executive/Senior management positions in the Tribal government and not-for-profit sector over the past 12 years. Additionally, he serves on various workgroups, task forces, and advisory groups within Indian Country. Kitcki is a member of the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma.
– USET
