Stephanie A. Bryan

Stephanie A. Bryan has served as the Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians since 2014, when she became the first woman elected to that role. In her dual capacity as Chair and CEO, Stephanie oversees all aspects of tribal government as well as the Tribe’s diversified business interests. These interests include Wind Creek Hospitality, Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority, and Poarch Creek Indians Federal Services.

A life-long member of the Poarch community, Stephanie is committed to inspiring and equipping future generations to seize opportunities that will improve their chances for a successful future and increase their quality of life.

Under her leadership, the Tribe has expanded educational opportunities for Tribal Members and First Generation descendants. As Chair, she championed formation of the Tribe’s Boys and Girls Club, as well as afterschool and summer programs at the Poarch Creek Community Center. Stephanie also was an early and avid supporter of establishing tribal Pre-K programs that include cultural education and Creek language instruction.

During her tenure as Vice Chairman, Stephanie served on the Tribe’s Education, Labor, and Legislative Committee and worked with both the Committee and the Tribe’s education department to develop an on-going program that ensures that every Tribal Member and First Generation Descendant has access to education dollars through a non-competitive process.

Stephanie has also devoted her time to the wider community of Indian Country, where she has worked with the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). She has been active in the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and has long been involved with the United South and Eastern Tribes (USET).

In recognition of Stephanie’s commitment and leadership, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi appointed Stephanie to the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children.