NAFOA, the oldest and largest finance organization in Indian Country, finally has a new executive director.

Cory M. Blankenship, who is from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was selected following a “rigorous search” for a new executive director, NAFOA said in a news release on Thursday. He will start work on September 30.

“NAFOA has been instrumental in shaping my career as a tribal finance professional,” Blankenship said in the release. “Serving NAFOA and its member tribes as its Executive Director is truly an honor and privilege.”

NAFOA has been without a permanent executive director for more than a year, following the departure of Richard “Rico” Frias in June 2023. At the time, the organization chose not to explain why the highest-ranking staffer left, after less than two years on the job.

Susan Masten, a former chairperson of the Yurok Tribe and a former president of the National Congress of American Indians, was immediately tapped to serve as “interim” executive director of NAFOA following the exit of Frias.

NAFOA, which was founded as the Native American Finance Officers Association in 1982, formally launched a search for an executive director in October 2023. The organization had someone lined up earlier this year, only for the recruitment process to continue in May when the chosen candidate didn’t end up taking the job.

But with Blankenship on board, the organization says his background in finance, economic development and philanthropy in Indian Country will help NAFOA support the goals of more than 170 member tribes.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Cory has decided to bring his talents to NAFOA. He has a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our organization,” said Rodney Butler, the president of NAFOA’s board of directors. “His extensive background in tribal finance and governance, combined with his experience with nonprofits, positions him to effectively lead NAFOA.”

“We are confident in his ability to steer the organization forward and amplify its impact on Indian Country,” said Butler, who serves as chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, headquartered in Connecticut.

Blankenship comes to NAFOA from the Dogwood Health Trust, non-profit that has partnered with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to address socio-economic needs on tribal homelands in North Carolina. Before that, he served as Secretary of the Treasury for his tribal nation and on the board of EBCI Holdings, the tribe’s economic development enterprise.

“I am excited to give back to the community that has supported my growth,” said Blankenship. “I look forward to using my skills and experiences to advance the organization’s mission to grow tribal economies, strengthen educational resources, and support tribal sovereignty.”

NAFOA plays a major role in advocating for tribal economic policy on the national level. Butler serves as a member of the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee, which advises the Department of the Treasury on matters affecting Indian Country. The committee is meeting in Washington D.C. on September 16.

The organization is also helping tribes understand the provisions of H.R.8318, the Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act. NAFOA hosted a series of webinars on the measure, which has bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill addresses a number of long-standing issues affecting tribal taxation and economic development.

NAFOA is getting ready to kick off its 2024 Fall Finance and Tribal Economies Conference. The event takes place September 23-24 in San Diego, California, with the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation serving as the tribal host.

NAFOA Announces Cory Blankenship (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) as New Executive Director https://t.co/uAD10MEOsi pic.twitter.com/Rd9fcKBWSt

— NAFOA (@nafoaorg) September 12, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC—Following a rigorous search, NAFOA, founded as the Native American Finance Officers Association, has named Cory M. Blankenship (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) as its new Executive Director. He will officially assume the role on September 30, 2024.

“NAFOA has been instrumental in shaping my career as a tribal finance professional,” shared Blankenship. “Serving NAFOA and its member tribes as its Executive Director is truly an honor and privilege.”

Blankenship brings over 17 years of experience in tribal finance, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors to NAFOA. His career reflects a strong dedication to serving both his Tribe and Indian Country. Most recently, Blankenship served as Community Investment Officer at the Dogwood Health Trust concentrating on fostering economic opportunities tied to social determinants of health. Prior to that, he was the Secretary of the Treasury for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) for six years, overseeing financial operations, directing investments, and spearheading economic diversification initiatives.

He has also contributed his leadership to several boards and committees, including the Tribal Planning Board and EBCI Holdings LLC, an entity focused on economic diversification, as well as local non-profit boards supporting his tribal community and surrounding areas. Over his nearly 12-year tenure with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, he has held key positions as Tribal Treasurer and Finance Director, driving essential financial and strategic initiatives. His work in finance and governance naturally led to his involvement with NAFOA, where he found crucial support and resources that advanced his career and strengthened his ability to serve his Tribe.

“I am excited to give back to the community that has supported my growth,” he expressed. “I look forward to using my skills and experiences to advance the organization’s mission to grow tribal economies, strengthen educational resources, and support tribal sovereignty.”

Blankenship assumes the position of Executive Director succeeding Susan Masten (Yurok Tribe), who served as Interim Executive Director since June 2023. His appointment comes at a time of unprecedented growth for NAFOA, highlighted by continued record-setting conference attendance and membership exceeding 170 tribes. In recent years, NAFOA has solidified its role as a leading advocate for tribal economic interests, supporting key legislation like the Tribal Tax & Investment Reform Act, and becoming a vital resource for professional development in tribal communities through the NAFOA Institute.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Cory has decided to bring his talents to NAFOA. He has a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our organization,” remarked Chairman Rodney Butler (Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation), President of the NAFOA Board of Directors. “His extensive background in tribal finance and governance, combined with his experience with nonprofits, positions him to effectively lead NAFOA. We are confident in his ability to steer the organization forward and amplify its impact on Indian Country.”

Blankenship holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University, a Master of Public Affairs from Western Carolina University, and a Master of Jurisprudence in Federal Indian Law from the University of Tulsa College of Law. In 2019, he received the 40 Under 40 award from the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. He and his wife, Jade (Colville Confederated Tribes), reside in the Big Cove Community of the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee Indian Reservation) with their five sons.