CHEROKEE, NC, March 29, 2004—Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPFdn) announced today that Susan Toineeta has been promoted to Program Director. Toineeta will primarily be responsible for developing, monitoring and evaluating CPFdn’s programming in the areas of cultural preservation, economic development, environmental preservation and job creation. She will review and assess grant proposals, as well as monitor grants that are awarded.
Toineeta replaces Juanita Wilson, who recently left CPFdn to serve as Deputy Administrative Officer of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Toineeta continues to report to Susan Jenkins, CPFdn’s executive director.
Toineeta joined CPFdn in 2003 as Program Associate, coming from the Office of the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She has also worked at the National Indian Education Association, Duke University and Swain County Department of Social Services. She has served as an intern for the Democratic National Committee and former Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC).
“Susan Toineeta has made wonderful contributions to Cherokee Preservation Foundation and our grantees over the past year and she has earned her additional responsibilities,” said Susan Jenkins, executive director. “Her breadth of experience and familiarity with the people and issues of the Qualla Boundary and the surrounding region help the Foundation fulfill its mission of bringing people together and addressing mutual problems and opportunities in western North Carolina.”
Toineeta has a B.A. in Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she also has earned credits toward a Master’s Degree in Audiology.
About Cherokee Preservation Foundation
CPFdn was established on November 14, 2000, as part of the Second Amendment to the Tribal-State Compact between the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) and the State of North Carolina. It is an independent nonprofit foundation funded by the EBCI from gaming revenues generated by the Tribe. CPFdn is not part of or associated with any for-profit gaming entity. For more information, visit www.cherokeepreservationfdn.org on the Web.
