PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

Chief Henry is a direct descendant of Chief Mahpiya Luta and serves as Executive Director of Red Cloud Renewable. A respected Lakota leader, he founded Lakota Solar Enterprises and has trained over 1,100 Indigenous students in solar and sustainable building. He is honored to lead efforts that empower Native communities through energy sovereignty and cultural resilience.

VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD

John is a 6th-generation direct-lineal descendant of famed Oglala leader Chief Red Cloud. John was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and as the Director of Programs and Operations for Red Cloud Renewable, is honored to advance the deployment of clean energy initiatives among the Oglala Lakota Nation, and on behalf of Indigenous communities across the country.

SECRETARY OF THE BOARD

Cheryl joined the Red Cloud Renewable Board in 2020, bringing over 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience. Having served as both Director of Administration and Director of Development, she offers deep insight into organizational growth—and an even deeper passion for RCR’s mission to uplift Indigenous communities through sustainability. Cheryl is honored to support a movement rooted in cultural strength and environmental justice.

TREASURER OF THE BOARD

Elsie retired in 2011 as president of The Mountain Institute, which conducted development programs across major mountain ranges worldwide. She previously supervised a 15-year development program in Tibet and connected with Red Cloud Renewable in 2012, introducing compressed earth block. Through The Humanitarian Project, she’s helped fund RCR initiatives. Elsie serves on several nonprofit boards and lives near Washington, DC, with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

BOARD MEMBER

Don is the retired leader of Dakota Rural Action and a longtime advocate for sustainable rural communities. He and his wife Kim are lifelong South Dakotans with a deep respect for the language, customs, and history of the Oglala Lakota Nation. Don is honored to serve on the Red Cloud Renewable Board and support its mission of Native-led climate action.

BOARD MEMBER

Robert Burkybile is the Chief of the Modoc Nation. He was appointed the position of Second Chief before being elected in 2022. Prior to that, he worked for the Nation in many roles including executive director of the financial services authority, housing director, and director of operations for the Nation. His priorities are housing and education for Modoc citizens."