Karen Dodge-Kelso
Tahlequah,OK
Summary
Results-driven professional with a Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Over 20 years of experience in tribal government operations, focusing on accounting, database administration, and policy analysis. Expertise in Federal Indian Law, ICWA, tribal sovereignty, and self-determination. Proven ability to build intergovernmental relationships and navigate cultural barriers to enhance policy development and implementation.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Welfare Specialist III
State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Stilwell, OK
11.2024 - 06.2025
- Conducted comprehensive investigations into child abuse and neglect cases, assessing safety and risk to determine necessary protective interventions.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and judicial entities to facilitate timely legal actions, ensuring child safety and adherence to legal protocols.
- Developed and implemented safety plans, coordinating emergency placements in kinship or foster care for children removed from unsafe environments.
NASIS Administrator
Sequoyah High School
Tahlequah, OK
06.2015 - 06.2024
- Streamlined NASIS administration functions for assigned organizations through effective coordination and design of programs.
- Collaborated with school leadership to ensure accurate reporting for ISEP, EdFacts, and Graduation Rate.
- Facilitated accurate data compilation and submission to Bureau of Indian Education.
- Provided technical assistance, training, and maintenance support while developing strategic plans and analyses.
- Consulted with staff on implementing standard database management procedures for consistent data handling.
- Organized and conducted NASIS training sessions for multiple end users to enhance operational efficiency.
- Planned data extractions to address educational support needs aligned with school and Tribal administration goals.
- Conducted annual analytical studies to support education programs and generated targeted data reports.
Accounting/Finance Supervisor
Cherokee Nation
Tahlequah, OK
07.2009 - 06.2015
- Company Overview: Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, OK
- Assessment of the monetary and financial functions in the schools that operate under the BIE performed weekly.
- Develop and implement mentorship program to newly hired employees in position specific functionalities.
- Development and implementation onboarding procedures for new employees.
- Respected and adhered to the multiple governmental communication goals, objectives, and policies, such as Cherokee Nation and Bureau of Indian Education.
- Encourage employees to improve their weak areas by evaluating their performance and coaching them on how to improve.
- Maintaining team efficiency and organizing workflows by applying strong leadership skills and problem-solving skills.
- Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, OK
Accountant
Cherokee Nation
Tahlequah, OK
05.2006 - 05.2008
- Company Overview: Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, OK
- Performed reconciliations between general ledger, bank accounts, and federal expenditure accounts to ensure accuracy of financial information.
- Analyzed financial data to identify discrepancies and trends that could provide insight into operational performance.
- Developed and implement internal controls to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data.
- Prepared detailed accounting reports regarding financial information to ensure, in order to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), federal regulations, Tribal legislation, and Cherokee Nation Financial Resources policies and procedures.
- Ensure to accurately compile, analyze, interpret, and report to maintain the integrity of our financial data.
- Comprehensive understanding of the Code of Federal Regulations, focusing particularly on Title 25.
- Auditing expenditures of federal fund.
- Preparing a comprehensive report on any non-compliant spending.
- Proposing recommendations for improvements or corrective actions.
- Report the findings and ensure all compliance documents are up to date.
- Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, OK
Accounting Associate
Cherokee Nation Enterprises
Catoosa, OK
09.2004 - 05.2008
- Company Overview: Cherokee Nation Enterprises, Catoosa, OK
- Conduct account audits and complete reviews of documents and files in a timely manner required by Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission.
- Daily review and reconciliation of cash and checks to ensure accurate account management.
- Estimate future revenues and expenses based on trends, costs, and revenue streams.
- Maintain ledger records and report financial data.
- Report financial data and updated financial records in ledgers.
- Review financial reports, including profit and loss statements.
- Investigated differences between daily reporting and correct errors when necessary.
- Cherokee Nation Enterprises, Catoosa, OK
Education
Master of Legal Studies - Indigenous Peoples Law
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK05.2025
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK05.2019
BBA - Accounting
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK12.2005
Skills
- Government-to-government relations
- Federal Indian law and ICWA compliance
- Tribal sovereignty and self-determination
- Policy analysis and development
- Intergovernmental collaboration
- Cross-cultural communication
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Legal research and analysis
- Tribal and governmental accounting
- Database administration and integrity
Affiliations
- Alpha Chi-Member
- Alpha Phi-Member
- Rho Theta Sigma-Member
Professional References
- Dr. Samantha Benn-Duke, Education Specialist, Bureau of Indian Education, 1425 N Vinita Ave, Tahlequah, OK, 74464, 918.931.2748, samanthabennduke@gmail.com
- Mrs. Katherine Renville, NASIS Administrator, Bureau of Indian Education, 605-864-1530, Katherine.Renville@bie.edu
- Dr. Lindsey Robertson, J.D., Ph. D., University of Oklahoma College of Law, lrobertson@ou.edu, 405-227-7531
- Dr. Kathryne Roden, Ph. D., University of Oklahoma College of Law, kathryne@ou.edu, 405-227-7531
Timeline
Child Welfare Specialist III
State of Oklahoma Department of Human Services
11.2024 - 06.2025
NASIS Administrator
Sequoyah High School
06.2015 - 06.2024
Accounting/Finance Supervisor
Cherokee Nation
07.2009 - 06.2015
Accountant
Cherokee Nation
05.2006 - 05.2008
Accounting Associate
Cherokee Nation Enterprises
09.2004 - 05.2008
Master of Legal Studies - Indigenous Peoples Law
University of Oklahoma
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
Northeastern State University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Northeastern State University
BBA - Accounting
Northeastern State University
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