Ponca tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Enterprise Gaming Board
Daniel L. Sherron, PEG Chairman:
Daniel L. Sherron (U'he'Ga'xe) is an enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma currently serving as Chairman of the Ponca Enterprise Gaming Board.
Sherron was born in Ponca City, but was raised and graduated from Newkirk High School in 2003. In 2013 he graduated from Northern Oklahoma College with an Associate of Science in General Studies. Following graduation from Northern Oklahoma College, Sherron began courses at Southwestern College, KS and graduated in 2015 with Bachelor of Science degree after double majoring in both Healthcare Administration and Human Resource Development. Following undergraduate studies, Daniel completed the MBA program in 2017 and graduated with a 3.873 GPA.
Professionally, Sherron worked over ten years for the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma serving as the Indian Child Welfare and Social Services Director and later the Executive Director of the Housing Authority. Following his time at the Tonkawa Tribe, Sherron was employed as the Controller/HR Manager for a manufacturing company in Blackwell, Oklahoma followed by a tenure with Osage Nation as the Clinic Manager for the Wah-Zha-Zhi Health Center. In January of 2020 Sherron agreed to serve as the Health Services Director for the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma overseeing all of the tribe's healthcare operations and programs including the White Eagle Health Center. Sherron left that position in 2021 to join federal service for the Department of Health and Human Services as a Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Sherron also currently serves as adjunct faculty for both of his alma maters; Northern Oklahoma College and Southwestern College, KS. He was named Adjunct Faculty of the Year in 2019 for Northern Oklahoma College.
In summer of 2019 Sherron was named by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) as one of the recipients of the national 40 Under 40 Award, becoming the first enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe to receive this honor. Sherron also was named by Oklahoma Magazine as one of the 40 under 40 Oklahoma young professionals to watch in 2020.
Daniel and his wife Keisha share six children Aliayah, Sarah, Martin, Isaac, Quincy, and Easton. Daniel is the oldest son of Jimmie and Sarah Sherron and the oldest Grandson of the late Jimmie and Isabel (Warrior) Sherron Sr. and William and the late Mary Chambers. He is the Great-Grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fritz and Letitia (Whitestar) Warrior. His seat at the Ponca drum was paid for in November of 2002.
Questions for the PEG Board can be sent to [email protected].
Daniel L. Sherron (U'he'Ga'xe) is an enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma currently serving as Chairman of the Ponca Enterprise Gaming Board.
Sherron was born in Ponca City, but was raised and graduated from Newkirk High School in 2003. In 2013 he graduated from Northern Oklahoma College with an Associate of Science in General Studies. Following graduation from Northern Oklahoma College, Sherron began courses at Southwestern College, KS and graduated in 2015 with Bachelor of Science degree after double majoring in both Healthcare Administration and Human Resource Development. Following undergraduate studies, Daniel completed the MBA program in 2017 and graduated with a 3.873 GPA.
Professionally, Sherron worked over ten years for the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma serving as the Indian Child Welfare and Social Services Director and later the Executive Director of the Housing Authority. Following his time at the Tonkawa Tribe, Sherron was employed as the Controller/HR Manager for a manufacturing company in Blackwell, Oklahoma followed by a tenure with Osage Nation as the Clinic Manager for the Wah-Zha-Zhi Health Center. In January of 2020 Sherron agreed to serve as the Health Services Director for the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma overseeing all of the tribe's healthcare operations and programs including the White Eagle Health Center. Sherron left that position in 2021 to join federal service for the Department of Health and Human Services as a Chief Operations Officer (COO).
Sherron also currently serves as adjunct faculty for both of his alma maters; Northern Oklahoma College and Southwestern College, KS. He was named Adjunct Faculty of the Year in 2019 for Northern Oklahoma College.
In summer of 2019 Sherron was named by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) as one of the recipients of the national 40 Under 40 Award, becoming the first enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe to receive this honor. Sherron also was named by Oklahoma Magazine as one of the 40 under 40 Oklahoma young professionals to watch in 2020.
Daniel and his wife Keisha share six children Aliayah, Sarah, Martin, Isaac, Quincy, and Easton. Daniel is the oldest son of Jimmie and Sarah Sherron and the oldest Grandson of the late Jimmie and Isabel (Warrior) Sherron Sr. and William and the late Mary Chambers. He is the Great-Grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fritz and Letitia (Whitestar) Warrior. His seat at the Ponca drum was paid for in November of 2002.
Questions for the PEG Board can be sent to [email protected].
William Kemble, PEG Vice Chairman:
Aho! I am a member of the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma and of our Dhegiha-related tribe, the Osage Nation, I am the youngest son of Jim Kemble Sr. (Ponca) and Linda LaZelle (Osage). I am the younger brother to Andrea MorningStar Kemble and Jimmy Kemble Jr. My given name is Heh-xhu-deh within the Washaba (Buffalo) clan of the Ponca Tribe. My wife, Brooklyn, and I currently reside in Skiatook, OK with our children Michael, Quentin, Grace, and Gabriel.
On my paternal side, I am the a grandson of the late Ellsworth “Chick” Kemble (Ponca) and Lucy Cornell Kemble (Creek) of Ponca City and the great-grandson of the late William “Bill” Kemble (Ponca) and Mary HorseChief Eagle Kemble (Ponca) as well as the late Willie “Bill” Cornell (Creek) and Ellen Tea Cornell (Creek). On my maternal side, I am a grandson of the late Pete Allen LaZelle (Osage) and Irene Hamilton LaZelle (Osage) of Hominy. I am a great-grandson of the late Pete A. LaZelle and Bertha Webb LaZelle (Osage) as well as the late Ira Hamilton (Osage) and Elizabeth Pratt Hamilton (Osage).
I was born and raised in Hominy, Oklahoma and graduated as a Hominy Buck from Hominy High in 2001. I further received an Associate’s of Science in Business from Northern Oklahoma College in 2003 and both a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration in 2005 and a Master’s of Science in Accountancy from Oklahoma State University in 2006. Since I was a boy, I have represented my tribes by dancing in the arena across native country first as a fancy dancer and then as a straight dancer and then by singing our Ponca songs at the “big drum.” I’m also a participating member of the Native American Church.
Since 2006, I have worked for three Certified Public Accounting firms performing financial statement audits in various industries including manufacturing, oil and gas, non-profit, pharmaceutical, governmental (tribal), and educational institutions for a total 10+ years. I have also served as a Financial Controller in the gaming industry and as a Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer in tribal government.
It has always been my endeavor to promote and support a collaborative working environment for progressive financial success and reporting of an organization. I am honored and grateful to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with the other members of Ponca Enterprise Gaming board and employees of Fancy Dance Casino. Ą-wašką! (I will do my best) Šą’
Aho! I am a member of the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma and of our Dhegiha-related tribe, the Osage Nation, I am the youngest son of Jim Kemble Sr. (Ponca) and Linda LaZelle (Osage). I am the younger brother to Andrea MorningStar Kemble and Jimmy Kemble Jr. My given name is Heh-xhu-deh within the Washaba (Buffalo) clan of the Ponca Tribe. My wife, Brooklyn, and I currently reside in Skiatook, OK with our children Michael, Quentin, Grace, and Gabriel.
On my paternal side, I am the a grandson of the late Ellsworth “Chick” Kemble (Ponca) and Lucy Cornell Kemble (Creek) of Ponca City and the great-grandson of the late William “Bill” Kemble (Ponca) and Mary HorseChief Eagle Kemble (Ponca) as well as the late Willie “Bill” Cornell (Creek) and Ellen Tea Cornell (Creek). On my maternal side, I am a grandson of the late Pete Allen LaZelle (Osage) and Irene Hamilton LaZelle (Osage) of Hominy. I am a great-grandson of the late Pete A. LaZelle and Bertha Webb LaZelle (Osage) as well as the late Ira Hamilton (Osage) and Elizabeth Pratt Hamilton (Osage).
I was born and raised in Hominy, Oklahoma and graduated as a Hominy Buck from Hominy High in 2001. I further received an Associate’s of Science in Business from Northern Oklahoma College in 2003 and both a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration in 2005 and a Master’s of Science in Accountancy from Oklahoma State University in 2006. Since I was a boy, I have represented my tribes by dancing in the arena across native country first as a fancy dancer and then as a straight dancer and then by singing our Ponca songs at the “big drum.” I’m also a participating member of the Native American Church.
Since 2006, I have worked for three Certified Public Accounting firms performing financial statement audits in various industries including manufacturing, oil and gas, non-profit, pharmaceutical, governmental (tribal), and educational institutions for a total 10+ years. I have also served as a Financial Controller in the gaming industry and as a Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer in tribal government.
It has always been my endeavor to promote and support a collaborative working environment for progressive financial success and reporting of an organization. I am honored and grateful to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with the other members of Ponca Enterprise Gaming board and employees of Fancy Dance Casino. Ą-wašką! (I will do my best) Šą’
Matilda DeLaGarza, PEG Secretary:
Matilda DeLaGarza (T’é míwaú/Buffalo Woman) is a current member of the Ponca Business Committee and also serves on the Ponca Enterprise Gaming (PEG) Board, filling the role of Secretary of the Board. Matilda was appointed to the PEG Board in 2020 and assists in ensuring the success of the Fancy Dance Casino.
Matilda is the daughter of Romona LeClair-Seal and the granddaughter of John W. and Matilda "Tiny" (Hardman) LeClair. She was raised by her grandparents and grew up in the White Eagle Community. Matilda attended school at Ponca City and also Northern Oklahoma College, graduating in 2019 with an Associate Degree in Child Development. She and her husband Bernie have seven children and have been married for 22 years. She enjoys spending time with her family.
Matilda was elected to the Ponca Business Committee in December of 2019 and now dedicates her time to being a full-time member of the council. She serves as a liaison to a number of programs, assists in the Enrollment Department, and handles the insurance accounts of the Ponca Tribe.
Matilda DeLaGarza (T’é míwaú/Buffalo Woman) is a current member of the Ponca Business Committee and also serves on the Ponca Enterprise Gaming (PEG) Board, filling the role of Secretary of the Board. Matilda was appointed to the PEG Board in 2020 and assists in ensuring the success of the Fancy Dance Casino.
Matilda is the daughter of Romona LeClair-Seal and the granddaughter of John W. and Matilda "Tiny" (Hardman) LeClair. She was raised by her grandparents and grew up in the White Eagle Community. Matilda attended school at Ponca City and also Northern Oklahoma College, graduating in 2019 with an Associate Degree in Child Development. She and her husband Bernie have seven children and have been married for 22 years. She enjoys spending time with her family.
Matilda was elected to the Ponca Business Committee in December of 2019 and now dedicates her time to being a full-time member of the council. She serves as a liaison to a number of programs, assists in the Enrollment Department, and handles the insurance accounts of the Ponca Tribe.
Carla Carney, PEG Member:
My name is Carla Athena (Rhodd) Carney, and my Ponca name is Mígthí tąį (New Moon Returning). I know many of our elders fondly remember my Great Grandfather Simon Horse Chief Eagle, who was active in the Ponca Native American Church and was a spokesperson on behalf of the Ponca people. Both of my parents are enrolled Ponca Tribal members. My Father a 20-year United States Navy Veteran and retiree, Carlton Rhodd Sr. was proud to serve his country and instilled in me the ideals of discipline and commitment. My Mother, Ledavie Littlehoe Rhodd, was a strong Ponca woman and taught me the importance of being independent and to think for myself. I am incredibly proud of my lineage descending from prominent families of our Ponca People; White Eagle, Horse Chief Eagle, Adrianna Whitetail, Marvin Littlehoe, Anna Belle Horse Chief Eagle Littlehoe, Yellow Bull, Little Standing Buffalo, Obie Little Standing Buffalo, Iva Little Standing Buffalo, and Lemuel Rhodd Sr. I reflect fondly of the time I spent with my Grandmother, Annabelle Littlehoe, who placed in me a desire to love the Lord and put Him first in all things, all the while reminding us of the importance to go after what we wanted in life but be sure to work hard for it. As a wife to Brenton Carney Sr. and a mother to three and grandmother to three, I hope I can pass on the things taught to me to my children and grandchildren.
My educational background consists of:
My education was made possible by various educational achievements and awards including:
My name is Carla Athena (Rhodd) Carney, and my Ponca name is Mígthí tąį (New Moon Returning). I know many of our elders fondly remember my Great Grandfather Simon Horse Chief Eagle, who was active in the Ponca Native American Church and was a spokesperson on behalf of the Ponca people. Both of my parents are enrolled Ponca Tribal members. My Father a 20-year United States Navy Veteran and retiree, Carlton Rhodd Sr. was proud to serve his country and instilled in me the ideals of discipline and commitment. My Mother, Ledavie Littlehoe Rhodd, was a strong Ponca woman and taught me the importance of being independent and to think for myself. I am incredibly proud of my lineage descending from prominent families of our Ponca People; White Eagle, Horse Chief Eagle, Adrianna Whitetail, Marvin Littlehoe, Anna Belle Horse Chief Eagle Littlehoe, Yellow Bull, Little Standing Buffalo, Obie Little Standing Buffalo, Iva Little Standing Buffalo, and Lemuel Rhodd Sr. I reflect fondly of the time I spent with my Grandmother, Annabelle Littlehoe, who placed in me a desire to love the Lord and put Him first in all things, all the while reminding us of the importance to go after what we wanted in life but be sure to work hard for it. As a wife to Brenton Carney Sr. and a mother to three and grandmother to three, I hope I can pass on the things taught to me to my children and grandchildren.
My educational background consists of:
- Current Doctoral Student for Doctorate in Information Technology, Walden University
- Masters of Information Technology, Walden University
- Master of Science in Security Administration, Southwestern College Professional Studies
- Graduate Certificates in Enterprise Risk Management and Emergency Planning, Southwestern College Professional Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (IT option) with a minor in Business, Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Associate of Science in Computer Science, Northern Oklahoma College
My education was made possible by various educational achievements and awards including:
- American Indian Graduate Center Scholarship Recipient for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (Continuing)
- Cobell Scholarship Recipient
Chris Littlecook, PEG Member:
A member of the Ponca Tribe, he is married to Melinda LittleCook since 1990. They have raised 4 sons. Chris worked for Conoco after graduating high school. While working in Houston for the next 20 years, he met and married Melinda. Their family moved back to Ponca City in 1996, and it is then that Chris began attending college. He earned his Associates from Northern Oklahoma College and his Bachelors from Southwestern College in Winfield. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA and was class Valedictorian. Chris went on to earn his Master’s in Business Administration from Cameron University. All the while, he worked full–time for the Ponca Tribe in Education and later became the tribe’s Self-Governance Director. After six and a half years of working for the tribe, he took a position with the Ponca City Public Schools as their Title VI Education Director. Chris has worked in this position for the past 19 years. Chris has also served on numerous boards and committees within the tribe and community of Ponca City through the years; United Way, Salvation Army, CASA, Library Board, School Board, Habitat for Humanity, Friends of Marlands Grand Home, Friends of the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum, Ponca Gaming Commission, Ponca Election Board, PTC, and PEG. Chris also serves as a Committeeman for the Ponca Hethuska
A member of the Ponca Tribe, he is married to Melinda LittleCook since 1990. They have raised 4 sons. Chris worked for Conoco after graduating high school. While working in Houston for the next 20 years, he met and married Melinda. Their family moved back to Ponca City in 1996, and it is then that Chris began attending college. He earned his Associates from Northern Oklahoma College and his Bachelors from Southwestern College in Winfield. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA and was class Valedictorian. Chris went on to earn his Master’s in Business Administration from Cameron University. All the while, he worked full–time for the Ponca Tribe in Education and later became the tribe’s Self-Governance Director. After six and a half years of working for the tribe, he took a position with the Ponca City Public Schools as their Title VI Education Director. Chris has worked in this position for the past 19 years. Chris has also served on numerous boards and committees within the tribe and community of Ponca City through the years; United Way, Salvation Army, CASA, Library Board, School Board, Habitat for Humanity, Friends of Marlands Grand Home, Friends of the Pioneer Woman Statue and Museum, Ponca Gaming Commission, Ponca Election Board, PTC, and PEG. Chris also serves as a Committeeman for the Ponca Hethuska
Sache D. Primeaux-Shaw, PEG Member:
Sache D. Primeaux-Shaw is a native of Northeast Oklahoma City. She obtained her Bachelors in Political Science and History from Oklahoma City University and earned her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma. Sache is an enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma and is also of Seminole and Chickasaw descent. She comes from the Primeaux, Fire Shaker, Big Goose and Cerre families. A former Miss Indian OCU, Sache is deeply involved in her communities, becoming a co-founder of the Ralph Ellison Foundation Reading Clinic. She is the past President of Young Democrats of Oklahoma, past Chair of the Native American Issues Caucus as well as Vice Chair of the Black Caucus of the Young Democrats of America. She is a past President of the Urban League of Greater OKC Young Professionals. Sache is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and a co-founder of the Queens Club, an initiative dedicated to the empowerment of young girls of color in Northeast Oklahoma City.
Sache D. Primeaux-Shaw is a native of Northeast Oklahoma City. She obtained her Bachelors in Political Science and History from Oklahoma City University and earned her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma. Sache is an enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma and is also of Seminole and Chickasaw descent. She comes from the Primeaux, Fire Shaker, Big Goose and Cerre families. A former Miss Indian OCU, Sache is deeply involved in her communities, becoming a co-founder of the Ralph Ellison Foundation Reading Clinic. She is the past President of Young Democrats of Oklahoma, past Chair of the Native American Issues Caucus as well as Vice Chair of the Black Caucus of the Young Democrats of America. She is a past President of the Urban League of Greater OKC Young Professionals. Sache is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and a co-founder of the Queens Club, an initiative dedicated to the empowerment of young girls of color in Northeast Oklahoma City.
Oliver Little Cook, Sr., PEG Member, Chairman of the Ponca Tribe:
Oliver Little Cook Sr. is the current Chairman of the Ponca Tribal Business Committee and also serves on the Ponca Enterprise Gaming Board (PEG).
Oliver is the youngest child of the late Amos and Alice (Waters) Littlecook. He was raised in a traditional home with his father being a devout member of the Native American Church and his mother who is often regarded as one of the original chorus girls of the Ponca Tribe. Oliver has carried on these ways and has been instrumental in passing these teachings on to his children and grandchildren. He and his wife Theresa make their home in Ponca City and together have five children and numerous grandchildren, as well as a host of adopted relatives all across Indian Country. Oliver has been a lifelong participant and leader of the Ponca Native American Church and has been a Ponca singer and acclaimed Master of Ceremonies at various Powwow’s and dances all across the United States.
Oliver has had a successful career all across Indian Country and has held many prestigious positions for various Indian tribes. From Self-Governance to Health Director, Oliver has continually worked to improve the services and offerings that are afforded to Native Americans. As the current Chairman of the Ponca Tribe he is committed to bringing economic stability to the Ponca people and expanding our economic footprint within Indian gaming and beyond.
Oliver Little Cook Sr. is the current Chairman of the Ponca Tribal Business Committee and also serves on the Ponca Enterprise Gaming Board (PEG).
Oliver is the youngest child of the late Amos and Alice (Waters) Littlecook. He was raised in a traditional home with his father being a devout member of the Native American Church and his mother who is often regarded as one of the original chorus girls of the Ponca Tribe. Oliver has carried on these ways and has been instrumental in passing these teachings on to his children and grandchildren. He and his wife Theresa make their home in Ponca City and together have five children and numerous grandchildren, as well as a host of adopted relatives all across Indian Country. Oliver has been a lifelong participant and leader of the Ponca Native American Church and has been a Ponca singer and acclaimed Master of Ceremonies at various Powwow’s and dances all across the United States.
Oliver has had a successful career all across Indian Country and has held many prestigious positions for various Indian tribes. From Self-Governance to Health Director, Oliver has continually worked to improve the services and offerings that are afforded to Native Americans. As the current Chairman of the Ponca Tribe he is committed to bringing economic stability to the Ponca people and expanding our economic footprint within Indian gaming and beyond.