john williams
vice president of development
nacdi (Native American Community Development Institute)
richfield

Bio

John Williams, Lakota, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, is a fundraising professional with over 35 years of experience ranging from public broadcasting and the arts to wellness, mental health and healthcare.

Currently the Vice-President of Development for the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) based in Minneapolis, John raises funds to continue the ongoing prosperity of the Urban Indian community. Since 2022, John has served as the Board Chairperson of the Mni Sota Fund, a Native CDFI and sits on other boards within the community.

A passionate arts professional, John is a screenwriter and producer. His latest producing project is a feature entitled, Native Love Jams, a Native American romantic comedy. His first screenplay is a pilot for a limited series.

Why do you feel you would make a valuable addition to the MCN board?

I believe I would make a good addition to the MCN Board because I would like to see more Native American people in CEO and development roles in the nonprofit sector. I would like to bring my influence and connections and provide opportunities for Native non profit professionals.

I’ve acted in nearly every role necessary to run a non profit. This is simply because the organizations that I choose to work for are smaller, leaner organizations that are at the center of community. I’ve worked with incredible leaders and entrepreneurs and have broadened my executive leadership by chairing the board of directors for the Mni Sota Fund. I am also a board member of The Alliance and I sit on the development committee of the Cedar Cultural Center.

Most importantly, I will bring leadership skills that are steeped in my Lakota values of generosity and respect.

I would be honored to serve on the board of this wonderful organization.

For more information about NACDI, visit: https://nacdi.org/.