Rachel Heckel

About Rachel Heckel

I am the CEO of Sault Tribe Inc.(STI), the business arm of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. In this role, I use my experience in building high-performing teams and strategies, which have demonstrated success rapidly growing and operationalizing new businesses, verticals and projects in diverse industries, to establish a thriving government contracting practice for the Tribe. I have been recognized for delivering exceptional performance, financial and reputational results through maintaining highly effective leadership, interpersonal skills and communication along with strong decision making, no matter how difficult the situation.In November 2021, I received a commendation from the County of Los Angeles and was recognized by the Chief of the Cherokee Nation for leading operations of an emergency shelter for unaccompanied immigrant children. This is my greatest career accomplishment to date, for the opportunity it gave me to lead an amazing team on this successful initiative to connect over children in need with stable homes with family or sponsors in the U.S. I completed my Executive MBA in 2020, and was voted and recognized by my cohort as the life-long learner of the group. I continually refresh my skills and outlook to enhance my problem-solving skills and I seek out new opportunities to learn so I can continue to embrace greater challenges to make a positive impact on the world around me. About the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians & STI:STI is wholly owned by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. STI is focused on growth through the effective pursuit of government contracting opportunities. The Chippewa Indians are one of the largest tribes in North America, with over 150 bands stretching from Minnesota to Michigan and into southern Canada, including over tribal members of the Sault Tribe, based in Sault Saint Marie area of the Great Lakes. For more information, visit:

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   STI Federal

   Mar 2024 — Present

   Sault Tribe Incorporated (STI) is the independent business arm of the Sault Sainte Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. STI\'s strategic focus is on growth through our government contracting brand, STI Federal, serving our tribe through top-notch service to our federal clients. 100% of profits will be reinvested into businesses growth or distributed to the tribal government to fund and improve various health, education, cultural, and other initiatives, supporting over tribal members.

Education

• University of Colorado

  Executive MBA

  2020

• University of Maryland

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Environmental Science and Policy