Overview:
The Sam McCracken Youth Project (SMCYP) has appointed Kathy Baird, Charles W. Galbraith and Mary Hiratsuka Mazilo to its Board of Directors as the Native-led nonprofit expands its work during its first year.
The Sam McCracken Youth Project (SMCYP), a Native-led nonprofit dedicated to advancing the mental, physical and cultural well-being of Native youth, has announced the appointment of Kathy Baird, Charles W. Galbraith and Mary Hiratsuka Mazilo to its Board of Directors.
The appointments come during the organization’s first year as SMCYP expands partnerships, deepens its community-based work and builds a foundation for investing in the next generation of Native youth.
Together, the three new board members bring expertise in business, law, public policy, communications, organizational leadership and community engagement.
“Throughout my life, I’ve learned that our greatest strength has always come from our people,” said Sam McCracken, founder and CEO of the Sam McCracken Youth Project. “When we bring together leaders who are deeply connected to our communities, grounded in our culture and committed to creating more opportunities for the next generation, we create lasting change.”
McCracken added that Baird, Galbraith and Hiratsuka Mazilo share an understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing Native youth and recognize culture as a powerful source of strength.
As board members, the three leaders will help guide SMCYP’s long-term strategy, strengthen partnerships and advance its mission of improving the mental, physical and cultural well-being of Native youth.
Three New Board Members
Kathy Baird serves as U.S. Chief Impact Officer for McDonald’s, where she leads the company’s U.S. Impact Strategy across communications, government relations, sustainability and community impact.
Baird brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, media and government. Her previous positions include Chief Communications Officer at The Washington Post and senior leadership roles at Nike.
An enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Baird is Sicangu Lakota and Oneida. She also serves on the boards of the American Indian College Fund, Indian Country Today and Nia Tero.
Charles W. Galbraith is Co-Chair of Jenner & Block’s Native American Law Practice and a nationally recognized attorney representing Tribal governments and Native organizations.
A citizen of the Navajo Nation, Galbraith brings extensive experience in Tribal law, public policy and government. He previously served in the Obama White House, where he led engagement with Tribal Nations. His career also includes service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and as a legislative advisor to a U.S. senator.
Mary Hiratsuka Mazilo, founder of Malii LLC, brings more than 15 years of experience in public policy, talent strategy, organizational performance and enterprise transformation.
Her career includes leadership positions in Congress and on Blackstone’s Portfolio Operations team, where she helped organizations drive growth and transformation.
A Curyung Tribal Council citizen of Aleut and Yup’ik heritage, Hiratsuka Mazilo also serves as a director and shareholder of Choggiung Limited and is a shareholder of Bristol Bay Native Corporation.
“I am honored to welcome Kathy, Charlie, and Mary to the SMCYP Board of Directors,” said Angelique Albert, CEO of Native Forward and vice chair of SMCYP. “Each brings a unique depth of experience, perspective and leadership that will strengthen our organization as we build this work together.”
Albert said she looks forward to the “wisdom, energy and vision” the three new board members will bring as SMCYP continues its work to invest in the next generation.
The appointments are part of SMCYP’s effort to build early momentum and ensure the organization has the leadership and expertise needed to expand its impact in Native communities.
Focus on Native Youth Wellness
SMCYP is a Native-led nonprofit grounded in Indigenous values, lived experience and community leadership.
Its founding board includes McCracken, a member of the Fort Peck Sioux, as chair; Albert, Salish and Kootenai, as vice chair; Janee’ Kassanavoid, Comanche; Eric Sprunk, former COO of Nike Inc., as secretary; and Governor Stephen Lewis of the Gila River Indian Community.
The organization advances culturally responsive wellness programming through four integrated pillars: Native youth wellness summits and community activations; community capacity building; policy and advocacy; and strategic partnerships and field education.
SMCYP seeks to build relationships with Tribal communities, address community needs and develop partnerships focused on improving the well-being of Native American youth.
Over its first five years, the organization aims to serve more than 5,000 Native youth across 30 Tribal communities.
The addition of Baird, Galbraith and Hiratsuka Mazilo gives SMCYP a broader base of experience as it works to turn that goal into a sustained investment in the next generation of Native youth.
