Christopher McKenna Appointed Vice President of the Wakaga EDP Program
New Leadership Role Will Expand Strategic Opportunities Through Tribal-Led Partnerships
Wakaga Economic Development Group, a Tribal Economic Development Corporation (TEDC), proudly announces the appointment of Christopher McKenna as Vice President of the Economic Development Partner (EDP) Program.
Wakaga is fully owned by the Wakpamni Lake Community Municipal Government of the Oglala Sioux Nation and operates on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. As a TEDC, Wakaga is committed to advancing economic sovereignty, tribal entrepreneurship, and long-term prosperity for the Wakpamni Lake Community through strategic partnerships and development initiatives.
Christopher McKenna’s appointment reflects the trust and confidence Wakaga places in his leadership and vision. As Vice President of the Economic Development Partner Program — not of Wakaga as a whole — Mr. McKenna will be responsible for recruiting, onboarding, training, and overseeing a network of economic development partners. These partners, operating under a single-tier system, will work through his leadership to bring new business ventures, funding opportunities, and innovative projects to Wakaga.
The goal of the EDP Program is to create a strong and accountable structure that empowers experienced professionals to act as liaisons between outside businesses and Wakaga’s tribal economic framework. Mr. McKenna will ensure quality control, maintain strategic alignment with Wakaga’s mission, and provide oversight to ensure successful implementation of all partner-driven projects.
While Christopher McKenna will play an active role in supporting government contracting and grant opportunity development within the EDP framework, he has not been granted exclusive authority over these areas across the organization. His involvement is focused specifically on opportunities developed through the EDP Program and the partners he oversees.
Wakaga looks forward to the expansion of economic opportunities and the strengthening of tribal-led development initiatives under Mr. McKenna’s guidance. His role is critical in maintaining integrity, quality, and success across all incoming partnerships.
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