Executive Director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Native Learning Center brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to the TLC Foundation
LAWTON, Okla. – The Tribal Leadership Council Foundation announced today that the Board of Directors has appointed Georgette Palmer Smith, CMM, to the Foundation for a two-year term ending in 2028.
“I am honored to be appointed to the Tribal Leadership Council Foundation and grateful to the Board of Directors for their confidence,” said Smith. “Education and training have the power to strengthen Native communities, and I look forward to contributing to the Foundation’s mission alongside my fellow members.”
Smith is Executive Director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Native Learning Center, which provides tuition-free training supporting the primary objectives of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA). She is a certified Financial Education Trainer in Building Native Communities and a trainer for NeighborWorks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling. A member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and of Choctaw descent, she also serves as President of Seminole Taft Street Properties, LLC and 6365 Taft, LLC.
Georgette graduated from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. She attended the Eli Broad Graduate School of Management at Michigan State University. In December 2000 Georgette was designated a Certified Meetings Manager (CMM) by Meeting Professionals International (MPI). The recognition of MPI’s CMM designees exemplifies MPI’s commitment to one of the seven key goals within the association’s strategic plan.
Smith began her career with the National Congress of American Indians, where she served as White House Logistical Coordinator for President Bill Clinton’s meeting with 545 Tribal Leaders. She later served as Director of Forum and Conference Services for the University of Oklahoma and brings over 30 years of experience in planning hundreds of meetings, trade shows and special events from coast to coast as well as internationally.
“We are honored to welcome Georgette Smith to the Foundation,” said Dr. Crystal Miller, TLC Foundation Chair. “Her three decades of experience, her dedication to training and empowering Native communities, and her leadership at the Native Learning Center will be a tremendous asset to our work. The Board is confident she will make a lasting contribution.”
Justin Barrett, Tribal Leadership Council President, said, “Georgette has spent her career building opportunities for Tribal communities and bringing people together. Her experience and commitment align closely with the values of the Tribal Leadership Council, and I look forward to working with her.”
About the Tribal Leadership Council
The Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) is a national organization committed to advancing the sovereignty, leadership, and long-term sustainability of Tribal nations across the United States. Founded with a mission to build capacity and strengthen Tribal governance, TLC provides dynamic programs, professional development opportunities, and practical tools that empower Tribal leaders, administrators, and policymakers to create lasting, positive change within their communities.
TLC serves as a hub for leadership training, strategic planning, and intergovernmental collaboration, offering a variety of in-person and virtual events throughout the year – including its signature Annual Tribal Leadership Conference and a series of hands-on regional trainings and workshops. These gatherings provide Tribal officials and staff with access to industry experts, peer-to-peer networking, and proven strategies for addressing today’s most pressing challenges in areas such as economic development, governance, public health, infrastructure, and community engagement.
To learn more about TLC’s programs, resources, and upcoming events, visit: www.TribalLeadershipCouncil.com
Media Contact: communications@triballeadershipcouncil.com