Brenda Locust
Summary
Office management and program coordination professional with 25+ years of experience supporting senior executives, business organizations, and tribal entities. Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills. Expertise in administrative support, program development, and cultural coordination. Skilled in effective communication, project planning, and operational efficiency. Committed to delivering high-quality results with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Recruiter
American Indian Resource Center
04.2024 - Current
- Recruiter for the CTAP “Cherokee Teens to Adult Programs” focused on the prevention of teen pregnancy, AIDS, and HIV throughout the seventh and eighth grades in eight schools in Adair and Cherokee counties
- Collaborated with school administrators to customize curriculum offerings through the CTAP program, ensuring alignment with each school's unique needs and objectives
- Integrated cultural elements into the CTAP program to support and engage a diverse student population
Cultural Specialist
American Indian Resource Center (Cherokee Nation Immersion Program)
06.2017 - 04.2024
- Coordinated after-school mentoring program for the seventh and eighth grade Cherokee Nation Immersion students, overseeing twelve high school and college mentors
- Collaborated with Superintendents and Principals from Adair, Cherokee, and Sequoyah counties to organize and execute overnight and day camps at Camp Sevenstar for 5th to 8th-grade students
- Partnered with United Keetoowah Band Tradition Keepers and Cherokee National Living Treasures to incorporate cultural activities, such as traditional games (stickball, marbles, blow guns), crafts (basket making, clay beads, corn husk dolls), and music (flutes)
- Managed mentor attendance, payroll, and daily supervision to ensure effective operations and successful program delivery
- Organized and prepared a traditional Cherokee meal for up to 80 participants at the end of each camp, promoting cultural heritage through food and activities
Special Programs Coordinator
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
01.2006 - 09.2013
- Recruited and organized volunteers and collaborated with businesses and community groups to support program goals
- Worked with senior case managers to develop team-building initiatives, training programs, and activities
- Developed and implemented procedures for managing assets, records, and loan collateral to ensure secure handling
- Assisted in budgeting and financial planning by preparing models for monthly cash flow requirements
- Supported management in finalizing annual expense plans, ensuring compliance with financial policies
- Conducted general accounting functions, including journal entry preparation, account reconciliation, and balance sheet reviews
Office Manager
Cherokee Nation Cultural Center
07.1995 - 01.2000
- Managed office functions, including clerical duties, staff supervision, and decision-making processes for department leadership
- Coordinated day-to-day operations, ensuring timely preparation and forwarding of documents
- Supervised the completion of new hire security and temporary paperwork, ensuring compliance with policies
- Organized and coordinated cultural activities for tribal events and community engagement initiatives
- Assisted in event planning, including logistics for large-scale cultural programs
Pupil Personnel Secretary
Cherokee Nation Sequoyah High School
01.1988 - 07.1995
- Managed timesheets, hire paperwork, and travel arrangements for dormitory staff under the supervision of the Dean of Students
- Coordinated field trips and residential travel for dormitory students, ensuring smooth and timely transportation
- Oversaw medical arrangements for dormitory students, including scheduling appointments for optometry, dental, physicals, and other health-related needs
- Collaborated with school personnel to handle confidential student information and assess eligibility for services
Education
Associate of Science - Basics
Bacone College
Muskogee, OKBachelor of Science - Major in Psychology
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OKSkills
- Program Coordination & Planning
- Team Leadership & Volunteer Coordination
- Cultural Program Development & Oversight
- Budgeting & Financial Administration
- Executive Support & Scheduling
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Office Management & Administration
- Records & Inventory Management
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Time Management & Multitasking
Additional Information
- 70 WPM,
- Ongoing participation in workshops and seminars related to office administration, cultural programs, and program management.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Cherokee
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Education Recruiter
American Indian Resource Center
04.2024 - Current
Cultural Specialist
American Indian Resource Center (Cherokee Nation Immersion Program)
06.2017 - 04.2024
Special Programs Coordinator
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians
01.2006 - 09.2013
Office Manager
Cherokee Nation Cultural Center
07.1995 - 01.2000
Pupil Personnel Secretary
Cherokee Nation Sequoyah High School
01.1988 - 07.1995
Bachelor of Science - Major in Psychology
Northeastern State University
Associate of Science - Basics
Bacone College
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