Blake Long, Communication & Project Manager, Chickasaw Foundation: On September 2^nd, Justin Williams joined the Chickasaw Foundation as the new President. Williams came over from the Artesian Hotel, where he served as area general manager. I had the chance to sit down with him and discuss his journey, insights, and his vision for the Foundation.

BL: Justin, thanks for sitting down with me so everyone can learn more about you and your vision for the Foundation. To start, tell me what attracted you to the Chickasaw Foundation and compelled you to switch to the nonprofit sector?

JW: I was drawn to the Chickasaw Foundation because of its mission. The Foundation’s focus on the general welfare of the Chickasaw people resonated with my own values and desire to make a tangible impact.

Concerning switching to the nonprofit sector, it has thankfully been a natural progression for me because I’ve always desired my work to be meaningful and contribute to the greater good. I felt that working in this sector would allow me to align my skills with my passion for serving others and making a difference. The Foundation specifically offers a unique opportunity to blend my professional background with my desire to work in a mission-driven organization focused on fostering long-term positive change.

BL: Coming from a business background, how do you plan on incorporating what you learned there with the nonprofit side?

JW: I bring a strong background in strategic planning, financial management, marketing, and relationship-building—all of which can be highly valuable in a nonprofit setting. While the goals of for-profit businesses and nonprofits may differ, the core principles of effective management, resource allocation, and sustainability remain the same. I plan to apply these lessons to the Chickasaw Foundation.

BL: All nonprofits face obstacles regardless of size or purpose. What do you see as the biggest challenge the Foundation faces, and how can it be addressed efficiently?

JW: The Foundation is in an excellent position, with strong support from Governor Anoatubby, Lt. Governor Anoatubby, our board, and general members. However, we’ve observed that there are still many individuals who aren’t fully aware of the Foundation’s mission and impact. To address this, a comprehensive marketing and awareness campaign is invaluable to our long-term success.

While the holiday season is a busy time for everyone, our team is committed having a presence in the local community. We aim to identify opportunities to better serve them, while also ensuring that we continue to meet our own goals and objectives. Through these efforts, we hope to increase awareness and strengthen the Foundation's presence and impact across the Nation and local communities.

BL: Related to having a presence, what strategies do you envision to help the Foundation continue to grow and be sustainable?

JW: I want to see the Foundation accomplish three main points. One, we need to strengthen relationships with donors and partners. Two, it’s a goal to maximize grant and government support. And three, we must continue to have innovative digital fundraising. There’s a lot that goes into each, but by adopting these strategies, the Chickasaw Foundation can ensure that it remains true to its mission while building a strong, sustainable financial foundation for the future. This approach will not only provide the resources needed to drive impactful programs but will also empower the Foundation to continue making a meaningful difference for years to come.

BL: Speak to how you plan on connecting with existing and prospective donors.

JW: My primary goal regarding connecting with the donor base, partners, and other supporters is to build strong, long-term relationships founded on trust, transparency, and shared values. I aim to ensure that each supporter—whether a donor, partner, or community member—feels personally connected to the mission and vision of the Chickasaw Foundation.

BL: And how do you plan on having the Foundation engage with the community?

JW: We must continue to leverage social media and digital platforms effectively, at the very least. The team has some fantastic ideas for engaging the community, including testimonials, monthly updates, and community events. I believe that by thinking creatively and incentivizing certain existing programs, we can drive exponential growth and engagement.

Additionally, it's essential that we foster an environment of open dialogue. We want to actively seek input from our Chickasaw Foundation general members, Chickasaw citizens, donors, partners, and the broader community. Their insights and ideas are invaluable and help us refine our approach, making us better equipped to serve our mission.

Engaging the community as a nonprofit is about more than just outreach—it's about building trust, nurturing relationships, and creating meaningful opportunities for involvement. By offering a variety of touchpoints, such as events, digital campaigns, partnerships, and volunteer initiatives, we can create an engaged, empowered community. This, in turn, will strengthen their commitment to supporting the Foundation’s mission. Ultimately, the goal is to make the community feel like active partners in our work, giving them a true sense of ownership and pride in the Foundation’s success.

BL: Speak to that success and the future – what is your vision for the Chickasaw Foundation for the next 5-10 years?

JW: One word: Growth!