Tribal Operations Department

Tribal Human Resources Manager:
Denise Koning

I began work with NHBP in May of this year as the Manager of Human Resources and Organizational Development. I come to the Tribe with 20 years of government experience at the federal, state and local level and seven years of experience as a local government executive and human resources professional. I am a graduate of Hope College and a native of southwest Michigan.

While at work, you may find me working with staff and departments on strategic planning, staff development and training, or assisting the Tribal Council with various matters, including organizational development, emergency management or policies and procedures. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, gardening, golfing or cooking.

I am very excited to be working with such a dedicated and diverse group of individuals! I look forward to working with the staff and Tribal Council to provide the best possible services to Tribal members and their families.

Contact Information:
Denise Koning
Tribal Human Resources Manager
269-729-5151
dkoning@nhbpi.com

Denise Koning

Denise Koning

Tribal Executive Planner:
Dan Green

My career with the Tribe started in 1999 after I graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. 4 years of studies, a distance learning trip to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana and a summer in Arizona working for the U.S. Forest Service shaped my perception of the environment and gave me a real sense of appreciation. For 2 years with the Tribe I administered Environmental projects targeting wetlands and environmental regulatory development. From there I switched gears to provide grant writing services within the Health Department. Then, in 2003 my job evolved to include program development for both the Health Department and other departments and areas of need within the Tribe. Currently, I am the Executive Planner for the Tribe.

I have two Daughters; Noa (5), Avery (2), and have been married for 6 years to my wife, Annie. I love to watch and play baseball and enjoy camping on the weekends with friends and family.

Contact Information:
Dan Green
Tribal Executive Planner
269-729-5151
dgreen@nhbp.org

Dan Green

Dan Green

Tribal Executive Assistant:
Rebecca Ackerman

My name is Rebecca Ackerman and I have recently accepted the position of Executive Assistant to the Tribe. I will be supporting the Health Department and the Administration Office. I am extremely excited and honored to be given this opportunity to work with such a great organization. I previously worked at the FireKeepers Casino Administration Office as the Administrative Assistant to the CFO. Prior to that, I worked at Pfizer, Inc. in Kalamazoo for 6 years as a Data Management Administrative Specialist.

I am a member of the Cherokee Tribe in Oklahoma. I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and moved to Michigan as a young child. I grew up in Battle Creek and still reside there to this day. I attended Battle Creek Central High School and graduated from Kellogg Community College with an Associate’s Degree as a Paralegal. I am currently enrolled at Miller College completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.

I love spending time with three wonderful children. My daughter Alyssa is 19 years old and currently attending KVCC. My son, Patrick, is 17 years old and currently a senior at Pennfield High School and is very active in sports and the drama department. My youngest son, Zachary, is 15 years old and currently a freshman at Pennfield High School and is active in band, choir and bowling.

I hope that my variety of skills and attributes will be beneficial to the entire Tribe.

Contact Information:
Rebecca Ackerman
Tribal Executive Assistant
269-729-5151

Rebecca Ackerman

Rebecca Ackerman

Tribal Communications Officer:
Kathy Mackety

Boozhoo!! My name is Kathy Mackety and I am currently employed at Huron Potawatomi, Inc. as the Newsletter Editor for the “Turtle Press” and I am also the Air Quality Specialist for the Tribe through the Environmental Department. I have worked with the tribe for 4 years (one of which was seasonal for the Youth Camp). I am happily married to Alan Mackety (tribal member) and we have just celebrated our 6 year anniversary. I have 3 beautiful children: daughter – Mercedes (11) and sons – Alan (7) and Chazz (8). In 2003, I graduated from Kellogg Community College with my Associates Degree in Computer Information Systems and I began taking courses in April 2005 to obtain my Bachelors Degree through the University of Phoenix (On-ground campus in Kalamazoo). So far I have maintained a 3.5 GPA and have only missed 1 day of class. This has been very challenging at times due to a full time job and being a full time mom, but I am always up to a good challenge. The Tribal Newsletter has given me the extra practice on my writing skills as well as information to utilize throughout my education and career. Miigwettch!

Contact Information:
Kathy Mackety
Tribal Communications Officer
269-729-5151
kmackety@nhbpi.com

Kathy Mackety

Kathy Mackety

Community Center Maintenance Worker:
Doreece Gaines

I am Doreece Gaines and I am a Tribal Member that has been employed with the Tribe in various positions since early 2007. My current position is as the Maintenance Worker for the Community Center. Previously I have worked for Mandoka Construction and the Tribe’s Environmental Department. I am also a part time student working towards a Business Degree. Working for the Tribe has been a great opportunity for me.

Contact Information:
Doreece Gaines
Community Center Maintenance Director
269-729-5151

Doreece Gaines

Doreece Gaines

Health Center Maintenance Worker:
Robert Williams

My name is Robert Williams and I have been employed with the Tribe since early 2007. My current position is as the Maintenance Worker for the Health Center. Prior to this position I was employed as a carpenter with Mandoka Construction. My training includes food technician, landscaping and facilities maintenance. As a Tribal Member I take great pride in assisting the Tribe in any way possible.

Contact Information:
Robert Williams
Health Center Maintenance Director
269-729-5151

Robert Williams

Robert Williams

Tribal Operations Department

Tribal Human Resources Manager:Denise Koning

Tribal Executive Planner:Dan Green

Tribal Executive Assistant:Rebecca Ackerman

Tribal Communications Officer:Kathy Mackety