Treasurer | Yo Hasinai News

CADDO NATION TREASURER

CADDO NATION TREASURER 2021-2025

INCUMBENT

VERNA CASTILLO

Hello fellow Caddo tribal members,

As we approach the 2025 Caddo Nation election, I respectfully ask for your support as I seek re-election for the position of Treasurer. My name is Verna Whitebead Castillo. I live in Binger and am the daughter of Reuben and Rhoda Whitebead. I was raised in both California and Scott, Oklahoma—just a few miles northeast of the Caddo Complex.

Serving as your Treasurer over the past four years has been an incredible journey. It has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’ve gained valuable knowledge and experience managing our Nation’s finances, grants, and contracts. Each funding source comes with specific regulations, and I’ve worked hard to ensure that we comply with all requirements while maximizing their impact for our people.

When I took office in 2021, the Nation’s finances were in crisis. Today, we stand on solid financial ground. I’m proud to report the following accomplishments:

Three consecutive clean audits, with no findings of misuse
Implementation of an internal accounting system for greater transparency and efficiency
Hiring of a qualified tribal Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead our finance team
Growth of tribal programs from 6 to 26, all operating effectively to serve our community

Self-Governance Status achieved from the Department of Interior

My journey of government service began when I was just 16 years old with my first job at Tinker Air Force Base. After college, I dedicated my career to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Anadarko, where I worked across several departments including Human Resources, Individual Indian Money (IIM), Social Services, the CFR Court for Anadarko and Pawnee Agencies, and as a dispatcher for BIA Federal Law Enforcement. I retired from the BIA in 2015.

I attended school in California, East Walnut, Anadarko, and Binger. I later studied at Draughon’sBusiness College in Oklahoma City, Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas, and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha.

As a Caddo tribal member, I believe deeply in our people and our potential. We must continue working together to create more job opportunities and expand services for our citizens. I know the road ahead will bring challenges, especially when it comes to securing federal funding and grants—but I remain committed, and I believe in our ability to move forward together.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I respectfully ask for your vote to continue this important work as your Caddo Nation Treasurer.

CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER

Don Francis

anthonyjcotter@yahoo.com

Hello, my name is Anthony Cotter, my family, on my Caddo side, are Edge, Smith, Frank, Brown, Reynolds, Shaw, & Whitebeads as well as many more.

I was born and raised in Anadarko, to the Late LD Cotter and Kathleen Edge. I graduated from Ft. Cobb High School in 1985, and then from Eastern Oklahoma State College in 2012 with my degree in Criminal Justice, Management and Ethics.

My wife of 16 years Doreen, and I, have been foster parents to three Caddo children over the years and last March we adopted our twins, who are also Caddo. I was Caddo Chairman in 2014 and know full well how Tribal Politics work as I have experienced them first hand.

We have moved home, and with the expertise I've learned from tribal employment for over twenty years, I believe I have a lot to offer my own tribe as a member of Council.

It is time for all Caddo Tribal Members to be heard, the Buddy system has no place in our tribe and I want to make sure we're all heard.

I'd Appreciate your vote for Caddo Nation Treasurer