Susan Waukon has officially stepped into her new role as CEO of the Bois Forte Development Corporation, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to Native communities to the organization’s leadership.

     A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and originally from Black River Falls, Wisconsin, Waukon has already begun meeting with staff and Tribal leadership to set the tone for her tenure.

     Since her appointment, Waukon has been splitting her time between her office at Fortune Bay Resort Casino and the Nett Lake Village, where she’s been connecting with members of the Reservation Tribal Government Management team and employees.

     Her onboarding has focused on building relationships and fostering collaboration to shape the Development Corporation’s strategic direction.

     She was introduced to staff during a recent Bois Forte Business Development meeting by Acting Chair and District I Representative Shane Drift, with additional welcoming remarks from other members of the Tribal Council.

     Raised by her grandparents, Waukon has often credited them with instilling a community-centered approach to leadership.

     Her career includes a wide range of leadership and service roles: elected legislator for the Ho-Chunk Nation, work in FEMA disaster recovery, and most recently as Vice President of the Indian Land Tenure Foundation.

     Her decision to join the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa was driven by the Band’s ability to balance economic growth with cultural integrity.

     Waukon noted the Band’s clear commitment to sovereignty and cultural preservation, as well as its diverse business ventures in gaming, golf, and cannabis, as signs of forward-thinking leadership and potential for future growth.

     In her first months, Waukon plans to assess internal operations, engage with staff to identify priorities in People & Culture, and help shape the organization’s strategic plan.

     She intends to set clear goals across the business, designate accountable leaders, and establish short-term milestones, with progress reported to the Tribal Council on a bi-weekly basis.