ABOUT SWIFT CREEK

Edith Baker, a proud member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, has dedicated her career to fostering economic growth, workforce development, and tribal empowerment. With a wealth of experience spanning education, government, and business, she has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and programs that continue to benefit Native communities today.

Her journey began in education, serving as a College and Career Advisor for the Indian Education Program at Norman Public Schools, Oklahoma’s third-largest district. Over six years in that role, Edith helped design and implement programs that remain integral to the district’s support for Native students, guiding them toward higher education and career success.

Transitioning to the state level, she joined the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, where she connected employers with qualified talent, facilitated hiring events, and played a crucial role in workforce development. Her expertise extended to writing training materials for the state’s Unemployment Insurance program and conducting statewide training for workforce offices.

Edith's passion for advancing Native economic interests led her to the Muscogee Nation, where she served as the Manager of the Contract Employment Support Office (CESO) Program. There, she authored the current Muscogee Tribal Ordinance, ensuring certification and prioritization of Native-owned businesses. Today, she continues to assist other tribes in establishing and refining their own TERO programs to create sustainable economic opportunities.

Currently, Edith consults with tribes across the country, helping them develop economic and workforce strategies. Through her consultancy firm, Swift Creek, she partners with cutting-edge technology firms to bring new industries and employment opportunities to Indian Country. Additionally, as the Interim CEO of the United American Indian Involvement Foundation (UAIIF), she leads efforts to improve the lives of Native populations through nonprofit initiatives.

Beyond her consulting work, Edith is involved in venture capital and economic diversification for tribal nations. She helps connect Native entrepreneurs with funding and identifies businesses that tribes can invest in or acquire to expand their economic portfolios. Her strategic insights and industry connections make her a valuable ally for tribal nations seeking sustainable growth and self-sufficiency.

With an unwavering commitment to Native advancement, Edith Baker continues to shape the future of tribal economies, ensuring that Native communities have the tools, resources, and opportunities to thrive in an ever-evolving economic landscape.

Michael Stopp is the former Chief of Staff for U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin, where he handled communications, constituent relations and external affairs. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army.

 

Stopp has worked in federal and state government policy development in the tribal, energy, and healthcare space for more than 10 years. He has worked to see important projects become reality in Indian Country including working on the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to help insure that the Cherokee Nation Outpatient Clinic was developed in Tahlequah. This is the largest IHS joint venture project in U.S. history and led to the first medical school to be opened in Indian Country. Stopp also worked on numerous bills while working for Congress to foster economic development within Indian Country and to strengthen tribal sovereignty.

 

His proudest personal achievement is co-founder for the Native American Heritage Forum as a cadet at West Point. The Forum was established to recruit American Indian cadets, create a community for Native cadets while attending the U.S. Military Academy, and to expose cadets and faculty to Native American culture while at the academy. This program thrives today. It has subsequently been adopted by both the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy, which stands as a testament to its success. 

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Mike is dedicated to mentoring and coaching young Native Americans. He was key in establishing exhibition games and clinics for Native Athletes with the NFL, Minnesota Vikings, MLB, and the Atlanta Braves by founding the Native American Athletic Foundation. In 2020, Stopp was appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate as an Oklahoma Athletic Commissioner.  Notably, he is a Board Director with the Atlanta Braves Native American Working Group.  He is a member of Leadership Oklahoma Class 32, Leadership Native Oklahoma Class 2 and Tahlequah leadership Class 16. A community man with a volunteer heart, Mike has donated his time to multiple organizations including the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation, American Indian Merit Award, and other service and education programs.