TAHLEQUAH, OK – The Cherokee Nation has named Sally Wilson as Senior Director of the tribe’s Indian Child Welfare (ICW) department, Patricia Kidwell Mancillas as Senior Director of the tribe’s One Fire Victim Services department and Sydnee Krenek as Executive Director of Natural Resources.
“These three departments are essential to the heart of Cherokee Nation,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Two of these are dedicated to supporting the welfare of families, including those facing neglect and abuse, while our Department of Natural Resources ensures our tribe remains a leader on environmental stewardship and sustainability. I have full confidence that these three exceptional women will lead these departments to continued success, while always prioritizing serving the Cherokee people.”
Sally Wilson has been with Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare for more than 17 years, where she focused on the recruitment, training and retention of foster/adoptive homes. Child welfare has been a part of her life both professionally and personally, as she is a third generation foster and adoptive parent. Wilson is married with four children, two of which she adopted while she was single. Wilson was also recently selected for the Minority Leadership Development Program through Adopt US Kids, a prestigious fellowship for leaders in the field of child welfare.
“It is an absolute honor and privilege to be selected as the new Senior Director for ICW and continue this work for my tribe,” said Wilson. “It’s humbling and makes me strive to do the very best I can and all that I can to improve life for my fellow Cherokees, for our children and the next seven generations. Simply put, it is a sacred thing.”
Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare has spent decades focusing on the well-being of Native children, ensuring they are not split from their families and separated from their culture.
Patricia Kidwell Mancillas’ expertise includes crisis management, strategic growth and operational excellence. “I’m excited to be here and I am looking forward to contributing positively to One Fire and most importantly to Cherokee Nation,” said Mancillas. One Fire Victim Services has helped support and protect thousands of women who suffer at the hands of domestic violence with a variety of services including housing, legal and advocacy assistance.
“I am proud to welcome these ladies into their new positions,” said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. “They have all spent years dedicating themselves to the important work that they do every day and I’m thankful that we have people like that here at the Cherokee Nation, who will proudly serve the Cherokee people. These departments already work tirelessly, and I know with these positions, they will continue to support their staff on to success.”
Sydnee Krenek began her career with Cherokee Nation in 2016 as a Technical Writer, where she worked extensively with departments across the tribe on the development of grant applications. She became the Chief Administrator of Natural Resources in 2023, serving under Secretary of Natural Resources, Christina Justice. The Executive Director of Natural Resources is a new job position at the tribe.
“I am incredibly grateful to be named Executive Director of Natural Resources,” said Krenek. “I can’t express how proud and blessed I am to play a role in the amazing work that this department does, and I look forward to continuing to serve the tribe in this new capacity.”
The Cherokee Nation Natural Resources department administers environmental, conservation, and sustainability programs for the tribe.