NEW ORLEANS, LA (April 30, 2025) – Since 2008, NAFOA, founded as the Native American Finance Officers Association, recognizes the achievements of Tribal leaders, Tribal executives, advocates, and financial transactions driving economic progress within Indian Country. The 18th Annual Leadership Awards were presented at the 43rd Annual Conference in New Orleans on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
Executive of the Year
NAFOA presents the Executive of the Year award to Julio Martinez, CEO of Mno-Bmadsen, the non-gaming investment arm of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. With over 30 years of experience in Tribal finance and private investment, Martinez has led Mno-Bmadsen to sustained growth, expanding its portfolio across five sectors and into real estate. He is a frequent speaker at national Native conferences, including NAFOA, and convenes the Potawatomi Economic Summit to foster collaboration among the nine bands of Potawatomi. Martinez also serves as the founding Chairman of the National Native American Supplier Council, where he works to address systemic economic challenges in Indian Country. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to strengthening Tribal economies and creating long-term opportunities for Native communities.
Education Program of the Year
The Education Program of the Year award recognizes a creative program that furthers understanding of business and economic development in Indian Country. This year, NAFOA recognizes the achievements of Gonzaga University’s MBA-American Indian Entrepreneurship (MBA-AIE) Program. Established in 2001 with support from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, the program empowers Native leaders to build sustainable businesses within their communities. With over 74 alumni, the MBA-AIE combines a culturally aligned curriculum, strong alumni support, and a flexible hybrid format to meet the unique needs of Tribal professionals. The program includes on-campus residencies, distance learning, and substantial financial assistance to ensure accessibility. Guided by an active alumni advisory board, the MBA-AIE program remains a model for advancing Tribal sovereignty and economic self-determination.
Business Impact Deal of the Year
This year’s Business Impact Deal of the Year is awarded to the Ione Band of Miwok Indians for securing $110 million in financing for the Acorn Ridge Casino—an achievement more than two decades in the making. After several attempts with outside developers, the Tribe finalized the deal in October 2024 with support from TFA Capital Partners, Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI), Warner Gaming, and legal counsel from Drummond Woodsum and Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary & Cohen. The financing structure includes a five-year delayed draw term loan with the option to convert into a long-term lease. This arrangement offers favorable terms, avoids scheduled amortization, and provides the Tribe with greater financial flexibility. This innovative model provides a blueprint for other Tribes to access capital through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), expanding economic diversification and strengthening long-term self-sufficiency across Indian Country.
Government Impact Deal of the Year
The Government Impact Deal of the Year award honors the Colusa Indian Community Council for securing $16 million in bank financing and $26 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations to transform a shuttered grocery store into a state-of-the-art specialty health clinic in downtown Colusa, California. With the advisory services from TFA Capital Partners and the Whitman Group, the Tribe received financing from Bank of America and NMTCs from the California Statewide Communities Development Corporation. By combining a 10-year bank loan with NMTCs, the deal generated over $4 million in net benefit and allowed for early repayment without penalty. The clinic is expected to nearly triple patient visits by 2026 and will bring much-needed specialty services—including internal medicine, cardiology, and women’s health—to a predominantly low-income, minority community. In addition to expanding care options, the new facility will relieve pressure on the Tribe’s primary care clinics and improve overall care options for its members.
Tribal Leader of the Year
NAFOA’s 2025 Tribal Leader of the Year Award honors Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation for his outstanding leadership over the past 35 years. Serving in his tenth term as Chief elected official, Chairman Barrett is the eighth generation of his family to lead the Tribe. He oversees a sixteen-member legislature and manages the Tribe’s administrative and business operations. Chairman Barrett played a crucial role in shaping the Tribe’s constitution and statutes, which have laid the foundation for its growth. Under his leadership, CPN has become the largest employer in Pottawatomie County, providing over 2,500 jobs to the community. In addition to his work with the Tribe, Chairman Barrett is President of Barrett Drilling Company and Barrett Land and Cattle Company. His leadership and contributions have earned him widespread recognition, including his induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2023. Chairman Barrett holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Oklahoma City University and an honorary Doctorate of Commercial Sciences from St. Gregory’s University. As a father and grandfather, he is deeply committed to preserving Potawatomi culture and history for future generations, ensuring a sustainable future for the Tribe.