Conference Preview – 2024 American Indigenous Tourism Conference Cultural Tourism: Changing the Narrative

Charlene Virgilio (Penobscot Nation) – Director of Business Development – Four Directions Development Corporation
Charlene is a citizen of the Penobscot Nation and joined FDDC in January 2019 as its first Community Development Program Manager. After successfully developing the program, she was promoted to the Director of Operations, building organizational capacity and growing FDDC’s project portfolio. In October of 2021, she was promoted to Executive Director. In her new role as leader of the only Native American Community Development Financial Institution in the New England area, Charlene continues to focus on FDDC’s core mission to improve the social and economic conditions of the four tribes in Maine. Prior to joining FDDC, Charlene worked 37-years with International Business Machines, where she held led strategic, operations and transformational areas. She also served on the Penobscot Tribal Council for eight years. Charlene resides in Old Town and enjoys hiking, skiing and boating.

Jo McDaniel – Tourism Manager – Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Jo McDaniel is the Tourism Manager for The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She is formally the Senior Director in Education and has proudly worked for the Choctaw Nation of OK for 30 years! Her most recent National recognition was to be named one of the 2023 Women Leaders in Tourism by AIANTA for her contributions in American History, specifically in Indian Country Cultural Tourism. This recognition is for women who are driving economic development through tourism promotion and are long-time tribal business members of AIANTA and reflect the passion and drive needed to develop, introduce, sustain, and grow tribal tourism. Jo is a Graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University and holds three Professional Tourism Certifications from The George Washington University-School of Business in Cultural Heritage Tourism and in Sustainability, Business & Economic Development. She is a member or affiliated with the following Tourism organizations: ESTO, AIANTA, AITC, OTIA, U.S. Travel, State Tourism International group. She has attended and set up tourism booths alongside AIANTA at the IPW. She also attends the DI Conference (Destinations International). Jo has recently assisted with DMAP application for their Tourism Department and assisted with a DMP Grant that was awarded and is currently helping with the implementation of that Tourism Grant with the guidance of GWU’s School of Business/Tourism/Economic Development. Jo currently serves on these Tourism Boards: State Tourism-Oklahoma Tourism Industry Authority and Lake Texoma Association. Additionally, she has been appointed to and/or serve on these Committees: Durant Tax Authority; Choctaw Pow Wow; AITC; Magnolia and Christmas Magnolia Festival. Under the leadership of McDaniel the Tourism department has won numerous State of OK Tourism Awards, known as the Redbud Awards. Her hope is that her legacy will be, that she has inspired others to travel and to take in the rich experiences that each place offers and for its vibrant culture.

Megan Guillot – Chief of Staff – Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana
Megan Guillot serves as the Chief of Staff at the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana and works directly with the Chairman/CEO of the Tribe, Marshall Pierite. She has worked in Indian Country and closely with Tunica-Biloxi for over 8 years. She began her career in the Human Resources Department at Paragon Casino Resort which is owned and operated by the Tribe. Following that role, she assisted the Tribe in developing their Education Program while serving as the Outreach Specialist and has worked on numerous projects that have benefited the interests of the Tribe over the course of her career. Megan has an extensive background in leadership, administration, outreach, communication, branding, and event coordination. In the last few years she has become well-versed in Tribal government operations, economic development, community development, and government contracting while working as a consultant for various Native American-owned small businesses. Megan has a Bachelor’s degree in mass communication and public relations and a Master’s of Business Administration degree with a specialization in casino and hospitality management. Megan is also extremely involved in her local community serving as a board member for the Family Justice Center of Central Louisiana and a board member of the Avoyelles Arts Council. She also volunteers her time to several community committees and non-profits. She is passionate about connecting people in underserved communities to resources and expanding the capabilities of an organization. Megan lives in Marksville, Louisiana with her husband and two children.

Moderator: Sherry L. Rupert – Chief Executive Officer – American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association
Sherry L. Rupert, Paiute and Washoe Tribes of Nevada, is the CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) with two decades of executive-level experience managing and promoting Indigenous tourism. She has dedicated her career to advancing cultural heritage storytelling for Native Nations and communities across the U.S. by helping these communities realize the economic development potential and significance of preserving generational stories well into the future.