Cara Cowan Watts

About Cara Cowan Watts

I am the CEO, Majority Owner, and Managing Member of Tulsa Pier Drilling, LLC, a company that provides track-mounted drilling solutions for various commercial and industrial projects. I have more than nine years of experience in leading a team of skilled and dedicated professionals who strive to deliver our clients\' drilling needs, no matter how challenging or complex. I also oversee the financial, operational, and strategic aspects of the company, ensuring its growth and sustainability in a competitive market.In addition to my engineering and business background, I have a strong passion and commitment for serving Indian Country and advancing its interests and rights. I have a PhD in Biosystems Engineering from Oklahoma State University, where I was selected as a Louis Stokes National Science Foundation Fellow. I have also served as an elected legislator for the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council for 12 years, representing and advocating for my district and community on various local, state, and national issues. I have been honored with multiple awards and recognitions for my work and leadership in tribal affairs. I have also facilitated and contributed to several initiatives and programs that aim to improve the health, education, and economic development of Native Americans.

Experience

1. Owner and Consultant

   Cherokee Star

   Jan 2007 — Present · Claremore, OK, US

   FacilitationProject ManagementCommunication PlanningInnovative Education SolutionsPresentation NeedsWorking Knowledge of Indian CountryFACILITATION EXPERIENCEFacilitated the 2009 & 2010 HHS Tribal Budget and Policy Consultation Hearings Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) break-out session for tribal leaders in April 2009 and March 2010Facilitated the Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) Regional Conversations on National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities for Region VII and Tribal Voices Meeting and a Breakout Group for three days in May 2008Co-Facilitated the Cherokee Nation’s one-day Native American Housing and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) and Self-Determination Seminar and Workshop for Oklahoma’s 37 Tribal Nations for elected officials and staff in April 2008Facilitated the 2008 HHS Tribal Budget and Policy Consultation Hearings National Institute of Health (NIH) break-out session for tribal leaders in March 2008Facilitated Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) law reform at the Cherokee Nation as the Executive & Finance Co-Chair and TERO Sub-Committee Chair from October 2007 to 2008Facilitated more than 14 of the Cherokee Women’s Grassroots Leadership Group quarterly two-hour community meetings since October 2004

Education

• Oklahoma State University

  B.S., Mechanical Engineering

  1994 — 1997

• Oklahoma State University

  Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Biosystems Engineering

  2005

• Oklahoma State University

  M.S., Telecommunications Management

  2000 — 2002

Skills

• Grants
• Healthcare
• Workshop Facilitation
• Public Policy
• Event Management
• Access
• Contract Negotiation
• Program Management
• Fundraising
• Telecommunications
• Analysis
• Policy
• Business Planning
• Strategic Planning
• Public Speaking
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Training
• Customer Service
• Security
• Environmental Awareness
• Time Management
• Team Building
• Management
• Public Relations
• Organizational Development
• Data Analysis
• Policy Analysis
• Microsoft Office
• Politics
• International Relations
• Team Leadership
• Project Management
• Research
• Editing
• Process Improvement
• Non-Profits
• Economic Development
• Government