Meet the team

Crystal Williams is a dedicated Tribal leader with extensive experience serving Tribal communities at local, regional, and national levels. She is currently in her third term on the Coushatta Tribal Council and serves as the Vice Chair. In addition to serving her local Tribal community, she is the Treasurer for the United South and Eastern Tribes (USET)/USET Sovereignty Protection Fund Executive Officers Committee, a National At-Large Primary Delegate for the U.S. Department of

Health and Human Services’ Tribal Advisory Committee, Secretary for the Intertribal Council of Louisiana (ITC) and is active in the Tribal Economic Tax Reform Advocacy Alliance (TETRAA). Most recently, she was appointed to the Indigenous Fashion Collective (IFC) as a board member. She has long advocated for tribal youth, elders, community, and culture. Her commitment to Koasati culture has facilitated historic documentation of language and arts with William & Mary College’s Department of Linguistics. She enjoys volunteering in her community by serving on the Coushatta Powwow and Princess Committees. Crystal received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from McNeese State University and has two daughters, Ty’Leah and Shai Greymountain, both currently in college.

William D. Lowe is a Marine Corps veteran, seasoned executive, and nationally respected tribal leader with more than two decades of experience in governance, nonprofit and public-sector leadership, economic development, and strategic management. His career reflects a deep commitment to service, sovereignty, and community advancement at the local, tribal, and national levels.

Mr. Lowe served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1993 to 2002, during which he developed the leadership, discipline, and mission-driven mindset that continues to guide his professional work. Following his military service, he dedicated his career to strengthening tribal governance and organizational effectiveness through executive leadership and board service.

He is a former Speaker and current Member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council, where he has played a key role in legislative leadership, policy development, and citizen advocacy. His governance experience is complemented by executive roles, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of Community Programs for United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII) in Los Angeles, California, and as Executive Director of the Muskogee Tourism Authority, where he led strategic planning, operational oversight, and community-focused economic initiatives.

In addition to his executive leadership, Mr. Lowe brings extensive board-level experience. He currently serves on the board of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, holds the role of Sergeant at Arms, and serves as Co-Chair of the Veterans Committee for the National Congress of American Indians. He also serves on the 2026 State Board of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma, contributing to statewide and national business development efforts.

Mr. Lowe is the owner of WilLowe Consulting, LLC, where he provides advisory services in leadership development, organizational strategy, and community-based economic initiatives. His work reflects a strong understanding of tribal sovereignty, government-to-government relationships, and cross-sector collaboration.

He holds an Associate and Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bacone College and a Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. His professional credentials include Certified Fundraising Manager (CFRM), Certified Travel Industry Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Certified Life Coach.

Mr. Lowe brings to the board service a balanced perspective grounded in military service, tribal governance, executive leadership, and national advocacy. He is recognized for his strategic insight, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering commitment to strengthening Native communities and institutions.

E. Skye Byrd serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships at the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), the nation’s leading organization dedicated to advancing Native American economic development. In this executive capacity, she drives enterprise-level growth strategy, cultivates high-value corporate and institutional partnerships, and advances capital alignment initiatives that strengthen Native-owned businesses and Tribal economies nationally and internationally.

A citizen of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Nokko Clan, Byrd brings both operational and strategic leadership experience shaped by her tenure at Coushatta Casino Resort, where she held leadership roles across marketing, strategic relations, and revenue-focused initiatives. Her work contributed to revenue growth, data-informed decision-making, and enterprise-wide strategic alignment, informing her disciplined approach to governance, risk oversight, and performance accountability.

At NCAIED , she operates at the intersection of economic sovereignty and private-sector investment, collaborating with Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, and Tribal leadership to design scalable, impact-driven initiatives. Her leadership reflects a strong command of fiduciary responsibility, stakeholder stewardship, capital strategy, risk awareness, and institutional growth.

She holds a Master’s degree in Advertising from SCAD Atlanta and a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Media from Louisiana State University. She also completed the Harvard Executive Leadership Program and is a frequent national and international speaker on economic strategy, cross-sector collaboration, and Indigenous leadership.

MyKel Johnson is an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe with Yakama and Umatilla descendancy and a dedicated advocate for tribal sovereignty, economic justice, and self-determination. She currently serves as Tribal Engagement Specialist for the Northwest Native Chamber, previously supporting Native entrepreneurs statewide as an Oregon Business Advisor. Her background spans tribal relations, economic policy, communications strategy, and program management, including leadership roles at NAYA Family Center and the University of Idaho’s Office of Tribal Relations. MyKel holds a Master of Laws in Indigenous Law from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Strategic Communication from Washington State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Risk and Crisis Communication. Her work bridges policy, business development, and community advocacy to advance equitable and sustainable outcomes for Tribal nations. 

Devon Headdress is a public health professional, content creator, and endurance athlete dedicated to advancing Indigenous health, sovereignty, and community wellness.
 

He is the founder of BrightHawkFitness, where he blends evidence-based fitness coaching, ultramarathon training, and culturally grounded education to help Native communities reclaim their health.
 

Devon’s work spans social media education, workshop facilitation, and keynote presentations on Indigenous health, policy, and the Indian Child Welfare Act, reaching audiences across the country.
 

Currently completing his graduate studies in public health, Devon brings experience in health policy, community-based programming, and digital storytelling to the board, with a focus on data-informed strategies and community-driven solutions.
 

He has partnered with organizations on Indigenous health education, youth mentorship, and chronic disease prevention, and is actively involved in long-distance running and coaching as tools for healing and resilience.
 

Devon is an enrolled Indigenous community member and is committed to using his voice, platform, and lived experience to support the organization’s mission and the next generation of Native leaders.