Meskwaki’s Executive Management

Our Mission

The Executive Management mission is to promote and preserve the Tribe’s sovereign power and authority through development and management of a variety of tribal governmental operations.

What We Do

The Executive Management office guides decisions, facilitates meetings, issues and implements Tribal Council directives, provides an avenue of communication for internal and external agencies and businesses and community members, and oversees Tribal Operations and its services.

Tribal Operations Oversight

Headed by the Executive Director, the team provides Tribal oversite and management under the direction of the Tribal Council.   Within the department, team members manage grants, ensure compliance, provide Tribal emergency planning services, and oversee construction and renovation projects.

Emergency Management

Meskwaki Emergency Management is a recently established tribal department tasked with coordinating and facilitating actions necessary to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters, acts of terrorism, hazardous material spills and other mass emergencies. Working closely with and acting as a point of contact for federal agencies like FEMA, DHS, and Red Cross is also a vital role played by MEM. Even more importantly MEM aims to foster working relationships with local neighboring communities in the area of emergency response in order to enhance the capability of resource sharing and regional planning. 

Meskwaki Tribal Council

As the governing body of our Tribe, the Tribal Council is made up of the Tribe’s most regarded leaders and is authorized to represent the Tribe in all matters. The Executive Management staff work to implement initiatives from these seven members.

Reminders for Requests

Requests for a work session or to be on the agenda can be picked up at either the Tribal Center’s front desk or from the Administrative Assistant for the Tribal Council. Requests to be on the agenda must be received the Friday before a Council meeting per Tribal Council policy. If you have a concern or would like to file an official complaint, please submit a letter, sign it, and provide contact information to either the Tribal Center’s Human Resources office or the Executive office. Enrolled Tribal members may request to inspect the books of account. All requests for such review will be accepted, approved by the Executive Director, and sent to the Tribal Treasurer for approval per policy.

Executive Management Staff

Lowella Balderas

Executive Assistant

Tribal Center

[email protected]
641-484-9230

Tonya Bear

Interim Executive Director

Tribal Center

[email protected]
641-484-4678

Amy Dye

Grants Specialist

Tribal Center

[email protected]
641-484-9211

Janice Eaglehawk

Grant Writer/Planner

Tribal Center

[email protected]
641-484-9244

Nicole Kapayou

Tribal Center Receptionist

Tribal Center

[email protected]
641-484-4678

Rita Schoeneman, PhD

Grant Development Coordinator

Tribal Center

[email protected]
641-484-4678

Brett Westphal

Construction Project Manager

Tribal Center

[email protected]
641-484-4678

Rachel Youngbear

Receptionist

Tribal Center

[email protected]
641-484-9200

Executive Management Contact Information

Phone Number

(641) 484-4678

Fax Number

(641) 484-5424

Physical & Mailing Address

349 Meskwaki Road

Tama, IA 52339

Contact the Meskwaki Nation

Get in touch with our main office if you have general questions or need assistance finding the correct department to contact.