Wendy Merrill
Isle
Summary
Strategic executive leader with expertise in planning and community engagement. Led initiatives in legislative governance and fiscal management, driving data-informed decisions to improve operational performance. Fostered collaboration and accountability, aligning organizational goals with community needs.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
District II Representative
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
07.2022 - 07.2026
- Elected legislative authority on the Band Assembly who amended and drafted legislation for the Mille Lacs Band, provided fiscal oversight, and represented Chiminising and Minisinaakwaang district constituents.
- Introduced and advanced legislation enhancing welfare of Band members, ensuring community needs were prioritized.
- Enact laws and resolutions; allocate and appropriate Band revenues.
- Ratify commissioner appointments and provide governmental oversight.
- Oversee the Office of Management and Budget and Office of the Revisor of Statutes, helping to strengthen the Tribe’s financial discipline, reporting accuracy, and accountability.
- Led public hearings and community engagement meetings, fostering trust among band members and aligning decisions with community and business interests.
- Collaborate daily with other Mille Lacs Band executive leadership to drive alignment, transparency, and execution of band-wide strategic initiatives.
- Served as key decision-maker on funding approvals and capital investments, ensuring alignment with Mille Lacs Band priorities and supporting long-term financial sustainability.
- Partner in decision-making impacting Grand Casino operations, including capital planning, financial performance oversight, and long-term enterprise sustainability.
- Ensure compliance with Tribal governance standards, upholding confidentiality, ethical leadership, and accountability.
Assistant General Manager
Grand Casino Mille Lacs
06.2020 - 07.2022
- Senior executive leader overseeing multi-department casino operations, strategic planning, and performance management.
- Led development and execution of long-range and short-term operational strategies.
- Directed cross-functional operations, supervising Vice Presidents.
- Collaborated with FP&A and Consumer Insights to establish performance reporting standards, improving data visibility for decision-making.
- Spearheaded major operational projects in collaboration with the General Manager.
- Promoted a high-performance culture focused on professionalism, accountability, and customer service excellence.
- Enhanced internal communication, community engagement, and compliance reporting processes, fostering transparency and accountability.
Legislative Affairs Director
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Legislative Branch
07.2018 - 06.2020
- Directed legislative operations and regulatory implementation, enhancing departmental policy management and grant administration.
- Implemented regulatory changes impacting legislative operations.
- Developed and implemented department policies and procedures.
- Oversaw daily operations of the Legislative Office, ensuring efficient workflow.
- Ensured compliance with Federal, State, and federal laws.
- Administered federal grant funding for legislative attorneys.
- Oversaw departmental budget and accounting functions, ensuring accurate financial tracking and compliance.
- Coordinated schedules, travel, and projects for elected officials.
- Monitored election procedures to ensure integrity and transparency in the electoral process.
American Indian Liaison
Isle Public Schools
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Acted as a bridge between school systems, tribal communities, and families to improve academic achievement and cultural inclusion.
- Enhanced student academic proficiency and graduation preparedness through targeted support initiatives.
- Implemented culturally relevant curriculum and programming.
- Boosted attendance and reduced dropout rates by implementing prevention strategies.
- Facilitated professional development training for district staff to strengthen cultural competency and instructional practices.
- Managed compliance reporting for tribal, state, and federal agencies.
- Collected and analyzed student performance data to guide interventions.
Licensing Manager
Mille Lacs Band Gaming Regulatory Authority
09.2014 - 08.2016
- Managed gaming licensing operations to ensure regulatory compliance and efficient processing.
- Supervised licensing staff and conducted thorough background investigations to uphold integrity standards.
- Oversaw annual license renewals and tracked denials/revocations to maintain up-to-date licensing records.
- Facilitated communication with federal, state, and tribal agencies to ensure compliance.
- Ensured database integrity and regulatory compliance standards.
- Drafted investigative and suitability reports.
Family Service Worker
Mille Lacs Band Early Education
01.2013 - 12.2014
Surveillance Administrative Assistant / Purchasing Agent
Mille Lacs Band Gaming Regulatory Authority
01.2009 - 12.2013
Community Youth Services (Worker & Interim Coordinator)
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
01.2004 - 12.2007
- Developed youth programs while ensuring compliance with regulations and managing community resources.
- Secured promotions into leadership roles by consistently delivering reliable performance.
- Coordinated daily operations to ensure efficient workflow within community projects.
- Assisted in maintaining cleanliness and safety in various work environments.
- Supported team members by sharing knowledge of tools and techniques used on-site.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Management
University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management
Minneapolis, MN01-2022
Master of Tribal Administration and Governance -
University of Minnesota
Duluth, MN01-2018
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Behavior (Management Focus); Minor in Psychology
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN01-2014
Associate in Arts -
Central Lakes College
Brainerd, MN01-2012
General Education Degree -
01-2004
Skills
- Legislative governance
- Legislative engagement
- Tribal Administration & Sovereignty
- Policy analysis
- Regulatory compliance
- Strategic planning
- Strategic operations
- Budget management
- Fiscal oversight
- Data-driven decisions
- Executive Leadership
- Community Engagement
- Public speaking
Honors And Awards
- 30th Annual National Indian Women’s “Supporting Each Other” Appreciation Award
- 40 Under 40 Award – National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (2022)
- S.E.R.V.E. Award – Grand Casino Mille Lacs (2022)
Board And Leadership Service
- Midwest Region Vice President, National Congress of American Indians, 01/01/25
- Board Chair, Mille Lacs Band Gaming Regulatory Authority, 01/01/16, 01/01/20
- Chair & Secretary, Local Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee
- Board Representative, Minnesota Head Start Association
Timeline
District II Representative
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
07.2022 - 07.2026
Assistant General Manager
Grand Casino Mille Lacs
06.2020 - 07.2022
Legislative Affairs Director
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Legislative Branch
07.2018 - 06.2020
American Indian Liaison
Isle Public Schools
08.2016 - 08.2018
Licensing Manager
Mille Lacs Band Gaming Regulatory Authority
09.2014 - 08.2016
Family Service Worker
Mille Lacs Band Early Education
01.2013 - 12.2014
Surveillance Administrative Assistant / Purchasing Agent
Mille Lacs Band Gaming Regulatory Authority
01.2009 - 12.2013
Community Youth Services (Worker & Interim Coordinator)
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
01.2004 - 12.2007
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Management
University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management
Master of Tribal Administration and Governance -
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts - Organizational Behavior (Management Focus); Minor in Psychology
The College of St. Scholastica
Associate in Arts -
Central Lakes College