A Leader’s Journey in Tribal Finance with Hattie Mitchell, CPA, CFE, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

Insight in Indian Country Podcast

Trusted Expertise to Serve Tribal Nations

Our celebration of Women’s History Month continues with Hattie Mitchell, a senior manager in client advisory and accounting services. Hattie shares her journey as a professional and member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation with REDW National Tribal Practice Leader and show host, Wes Benally. She discusses the inspiration she drew from her family’s involvement in tribal finance, and talks about her involvement in the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) and the unique reporting needs of tribal governments.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:28 – Hattie’s Background and Inspiration
• 07:06 – Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council
• 12:26 – Finance Certificate Program and Teaching
• 19:00 – Dealing with Stress and Challenges
• 20:29 – Advice for Young Professionals
• 22:20 – Closing Remarks

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References

• 2024 Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) Technical Agenda Prioritization – For Tribal Leaders and Tribal Financial Professionals – The GASAC is seeking feedback from members in prioritizing the GASB’s Technical Plan. Provide your responses by Monday, April 8, 2024.
• GASAC April 15-16 Live Meeting Info – Available by webcast. If planning to observe a meeting, please provide notification no later than 48 hours before the meeting. Find details here.
• Contact Hattie Mitchell by email.
• 2024 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention – The largest gathering of tribal leaders and casino executives in the country, the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention is now in its 31st year and continues to deliver the insight and strategies needed to succeed in the competitive gaming industry. REDW Gaming Operations Manager Kandi Link to Speak in The Smart Casino: Embracing Technology and the Modern Gaming Floor.

Meet Your Host

Wesley Ryan Benally, CPA

REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader

As the leader of REDW’s National Tribal Practice, Wes is committed to improving financial literacy throughout Indian Country and hosts the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. He oversees audits of a wide range for Native American communities, state and local government agencies, and non-profits, nationwide, is a member of the Arizona State Board of Accountancy’s Peer Review Oversight Advisory Committee and serves as an instructor with Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute. In addition, as a Board member for a tribal gaming entity that operates in two states, Wes keeps up with regulatory issues important to tribal gaming operations. Wes is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.

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