Cherokee Nation Businesses 2013 top volunteers recognized
CNB officials honor 10 employees for community service
CATOOSA, Okla. – In addition to their everyday duties, local employees spent this year undertaking community outreach projects and numerous volunteer responsibilities. This month, Cherokee Nation Businesses officials recognized those individuals for their hard work.
The employees volunteer alongside other members of the casinos’ community impact team for a variety of outreach projects that help local communities. The group of volunteers offered their time at various organizations and events, such as Iron Gate, Angels of the Cherokee, Oaks Indian Mission and the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
“These Cherokee Nation Businesses employees embody the inspiration and excellence we strive for every day. All of our volunteers are dedicated and passionate about making a positive impact in our communities,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “The purpose of this Community Impact award is to recognize the outstanding contributions of our CNB employees, who have made it a mission to improve the lives of people here in Oklahoma.”
A top volunteer is recognized from each Cherokee Nation Businesses property, and one employee who meets certain criteria is recognized with top honors overall. Donivan Riddle, a Stilwell resident and Cherokee Nation citizen, took this honor. Riddle was chosen as the 2013 Community Impact Team Volunteer of the Year.
“If it wasn’t for my team, I wouldn’t be getting the award. When we come up with something, they’re always willing and ready to pitch in,” said Riddle. “I love what we do—especially the school supply drives. Seeing the faces of those little kids just gives you more drive to keep finding ways to give back.”
Riddle is the captain of the newly established Cherokee Nation Industries community impact team. His passion for helping his local and Cherokee community is overwhelmingly evident to those around him.
“Donivan has done a fantastic job of managing the community involvement team in Stilwell for CNI,” said Chris Moody, Cherokee Nation Industries president. “He has a great attitude and creates a lot of enthusiasm.”
Members of CNB’s community impact and management team recently surprised Donivan and nine other employees with awards for their incomparable efforts.
List of 2013 Community Impact Team Outstanding Volunteers:
Lex Ellis, Colcord, Okla., Cherokee Casino & Hotel West Siloam Springs
Mike Collins, Tahlequah, Okla., Cherokee Casino Fort Gibson
Robert Tehee, Skiatook, Okla., Cherokee Casino Ramona
Jennifer Harrison, Van Buren, Ark., Cherokee Casino Roland and Cherokee Casino Sallisaw
Brandy Hummingbird, Tahlequah, Okla., Cherokee Casino Tahlequah
Kyla Phillippe, Adair, Okla., Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs
Josh Smith, Tulsa, Cherokee Nation Businesses
Jami Roberts, Pryor, Okla., Cherokee Nation Industries – Pryor
Heather Berry, Tulsa, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa
Berta Forrest, Oaks, Okla., CNB Tahlequah Corporate
