FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

First Nations Oweesta Corporation appoints Kristi Coker-Bias as Senior Advisor for Development and Programs

LONGMONT, Colorado (November 4, 2011) – First Nations Oweesta Corporation is proud to announce Kristi Coker-Bias will serve as the new Senior Advisor for Development and Programs. Bias is a Native community development financial institution industry leader who brings a wealth of experience in Native economic development.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to make a national impact in Indian Country as First Nations Oweesta Corporation embarks on a new strategic plan to build the capacity of tribal communities through the development of high impact Native community development financial institutions,” shared Bias.

“As we continue to build First Nations Oweesta Corporation, we know it is critical to the success of Indian Country as a whole to hire people who have direct experience in Native American finance. Kristi has demonstrated leadership and vast experience working in Native American communities,” shared Jon Panamaroff, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of First Nations Oweesta Corporation. Panamaroff also stated, “Kristi’s experience and expertise will make her a valuable advisor to the First Nations executive team.”

Kristi has over 16 years of extensive economic and community development experience. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Municipal Management from the University of Central Oklahoma and obtained Advance Professional Certifications from the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.

As the founding Executive Director of the Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation, Kristi raised over $21 million dollars to address the lack of access to capital and business development services within Indian Country. Under Kristi’s direction, the organization made over $22 million in loans to Native American entrepreneurs, which created 930 jobs in Indian Country in an 8 year timeframe. Her comprehensive organizational development skills and program implementation led to many honors which include: High Honors Award from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government – Honoring Contributions in the Governance of American Indian Nations Program; Circle of Honor Award & Visionary Leader Award by First Nations Oweesta Corporation and Opportunity Finance Network; Oklahoma Minority Business Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration; Wachovia NEXT Award for Opportunity Finance for achieving a high volume of community outcomes and the Economic Development Partnership Award for her work with Seminole State College from the Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education.
    

Contact: 
Jon Deacon Panamaroff, Executive Director & Senior Vice President
303-774-8838
jon@oweesta.org
 

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