The Board of Directors

Chairman

 Frank T. Lewis Jr. is a seasoned IT and network infrastructure professional with over four decades of experience at Steelcase Inc., where he has grown from hands-on technical roles to a global leadership position. Currently serving as the Supervisor of Global Network and Telecommunications Infrastructure, Frank leads a team of network engineers and contractors, overseeing the wide area network across 133 international locations. His responsibilities span vendor management, strategic planning, and global site implementations.  Frank is a tribal citizen of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and a proud U.S. Army veteran.  His early military service included graduation from the U.S. Army Airborne and Ranger Schools, as well as specialized reconnaissance training in Germany. He brings a strong sense of discipline and teamwork to his professional and community endeavors.  He holds an Associate of Arts in Computer Information Systems from Davenport University, with a focus on computer networking and CCNP-level coursework. Beyond his professional career, Frank is actively involved in cultural preservation and youth leadership, serving as a UNITY Youth Leader, Red Cedar Drum keeper, and Traditional Dancer. 

Vice Chairman

 Jim LaPorte is a seasoned executive and financial strategist with over three decades of  experience leading complex operations in the gaming, energy, and investment sectors. A tribal  citizen of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Jim brings a culturally grounded, results driven approach to economic development and organizational leadership.  Currently serving as Vice President and CFO at Luna Entertainment, he oversees a diverse family  office portfolio that spans retail, real estate development, casino operations, mining, and  venture capital. His leadership history also includes serving as COO and General Manager of  Kiowa Casino, where he led successful turnaround efforts and expansion projects, and as  General Manager and Director of Finance at Little River Casino Resort, where he oversaw a $56  million expansion and led compliance with tribal, state, and federal gaming regulations.  Jim has also held leadership positions in construction and oil and gas, including President of  S.O.Y. Investment Co. and Triad Innovations, where he played a key role in corporate  restructuring and public market transitions. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of  St. Thomas and a BA in Business Administration and Economics from Augsburg College.  Known for his analytical rigor, leadership acumen, and commitment to tribal enterprise success,  Jim is a highly respected leader in both tribal and corporate circles. 

Secretary 

  Scott Wahr is a seasoned maintenance and plant operations professional with over two  decades of experience in healthcare, pharmaceutical, and industrial environments. Currently  serving as a Maintenance Supervisor and Electrician at SPI Pharma, Scott plays a key role in  preventive maintenance, inventory management, and ensuring FDA and GMP compliance  within a regulated production environment.  His previous leadership roles include managing plant operations and environmental services  at Spectrum Health’s Zeeland Community Hospital and Mercy Health Partners in Muskegon,  where he oversaw facility infrastructure, compliance with federal and state regulations, and  capital improvement projects across multi-site healthcare campuses. Scott brings deep  technical expertise in electrical systems, HVAC, and facility maintenance, along with hands-on  experience as a journeyman electrician in commercial and industrial construction.  Scott holds certifications in electrical work, leadership training, and FEMA’s National Incident  Management System. He's also active in community service, having served on the Muskegon  Sport Fishing Association board and as a Natural Resource Commissioner for the Little River  Band of Ottawa Indians. 

Treasurer

 Jennifer Clark is a dedicated early childhood educator and small business owner with over 15 years  of experience in child development, creative instruction, and team leadership. She is a tribal  citizen of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and brings a strong sense of community and  cultural awareness to her work with children and families.  Since 2007, Jennifer has co-owned and instructed at Expressions Dance Academy in Kentwood,  Michigan, where she manages day-to-day operations, develops age-appropriate dance curriculum,  and leads students in local and national competitions. In addition to her work in the performing  arts, she serves as the Lead Infant Teacher at Explore & Grow Christian Childcare Center, where she  designs developmentally appropriate lesson plans and mentors new staff in high-quality infant  care practices.  Her previous experience includes leadership roles in quality control at Action Fabricators, where  she coordinated team training and inspection processes. Jennifer holds a Child Development  Associate (CDA) Credential with an infant/toddler endorsement from Grand Rapids Community  College and is passionate about supporting early learning and cultural enrichment for all children.  

Board Member

  Levi Rickert is an accomplished journalist, editor, and Native American advocate  with decades of experience in media, public service, and community leadership.  He is the Founder and Editor of Native News Online, a leading national news outlet  focused on Indigenous issues, where he has served since 2011. Through his  reporting and editorial leadership, Levi has become a trusted voice in Native  American journalism, highlighting underrepresented stories and communities  across the United States.  A tribal citizen of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation, headquartered in  Mayetta, Kansas, Levi is a lifelong resident of Michigan and is well acquainted with  Michigan’s federally recognized tribes. His deep ties to Native communities inform  his work and advocacy, particularly in the areas of Indigenous sovereignty, cultural  preservation, and justice.  Prior to founding Native News Online, Levi held leadership roles in tribal and  community-based organizations, including serving as Executive Director of both  the American Indian Center and the Grand Rapids Inter-Tribal Council. He also has  a professional background in the financial sector, having worked as a loan officer  with several institutions in the Grand Rapids area.  Levi studied Public Administration at Grand Valley State University and continues  to be a dedicated voice for Native representation and community empowerment