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CEO & Founder
Nick Hernandez is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and a citizen of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (SD). Nick is a father of two boys, Alee Jax and Kai Tyndall Hernandez. Nick earned a master’s degree in Lakota Leadership and Organizational Management from Oglala Lakota College (2019). Today, Nick has founded Makoce Agriculture Development, a 501c3 non-profit, which is the next level of local Indigenous agriculture and food systems development on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Nick is passionate and dedicated towards creating viable change for his community through a self-determined, indigenous led reconnective local food system, designed to regenerate healthy equitable communities, economies, and our environment for many generations to come.
Meet the Team
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Charlie Brave Heart
Executive Assistant
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Anne Eagle Bull
Human Resources Director
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Bailey Pourier
Finance Director
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Brandon Brave Heart
Director of Operations
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Gracey Claymore
Director of Communications
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Sheldon Starr
Communications Manager
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Jonathan Red Owl
Community Engagement Manager
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A.J. Granelli
Farm Director
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Tyler Eagle Bull
Farm Manager
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Curtis Leroy
Farm Coordinator
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Theresa Siers
Processing Plant Manager
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Dionne Holmquist
Biobased Solutions Director
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Isabella LeBeaux
Oceti Sakowin Food Systems Alliance Coordinator
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Ryan Hussman
Food Hub Manager
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Blue Dawn Little
Food Systems Institute Director
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Starr Cuny
Food Systems Institute Coordinator
Board of Directors
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Tashina Banks Rama
Oglala Lakota
Board Vice President
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Whitney O'Rourke-Risse
Oglala Lakota
Board Treasurer
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Talia Little Bull
Oglala Lakota
Board Secretary
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Darrell Hernandez
Oglala Lakota
Board Member