EBCI TERO

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TERO STAFF DIRECTORY

TERRI HENRY

TERO DIRECTOR

In January 2019, Ms. Terri Henry began work in the position of TERO Director. She oversees the daily operations and administration, an offers strategic guidance in our mission to implement the Tribe’s employment preference laws on tribal lands. Terri is from the Paint Town Community and brings 25 years of experience in Cherokee Tribal government and national leadership to her position with TERO. Notably, her work experience includes three terms (or six years) on the Cherokee Tribal Council – serving one term as the first Chairwoman – and an appointment as the tribe’s first Secretary of State.

Ms. Henry is a co-founder of the National Congress of American Indians Task Force on Violence Against Women and is appointed as an Independent Expert for North America on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, 2017-2019. She also has a background in small business and nonprofit work. Terri earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and Juris Doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Law.

(d) 828.359.6540 | (m) 828.788.3430 | terrhenr@ebci-nsn.gov

KEVIN JACKSON

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING MANAGER

Mr. Kevin Jackson joined TERO in June 2019 as the Employment and Training Manager. He provides leadership to the Employment Team in providing direction and supervision to the Job Bank Coordinators in the implementation of the TERO Ordinances found in Chapters 92 and 95 of the Cherokee Code. Kevin works to ensure that Indian preference policies and procedures related to hiring among the covered employers of the Tribe and its entities are followed. The goal is to foster a highly skilled workforce through developing a workforce education program to meet the needs of the community.

Mr. Jackson also coordinates the work of the Employment Team and the Compliance Team through monitoring and enforcement of the TERO laws. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Montreat College and Master of Science degree from the University of Alabama. Kevin is from the Wolftown Community.

(d) 828.359.6477 | (m) 828.736.6649 | kevijack@ebci-nsn.gov

BILLIE JO RICH

MOTHER TOWN HEALING PROGRAM SUPERVISOR

Ms. Billie Jo Rich is the Mother Town Healing Program Supervisor. In this capacity, Ms. Rich is responsible for the organizing various activities that support individual development and planning and organizing activities for participants’ families dealing with recovery ensuring the delivery of services and compliance with program policies and regulations consistent with the Tribal Employment Rights Office strategic plan.

Ms. Rich has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services Technology/Substance Abuse Concentration (SCC) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology (WCU). Billie Jo’s background is in Recovery and Crime Victim Advocacy. Ms. Rich has organized a multi-system approach to benefit the livelihood of enrolled members and their families through skill building & education, personal growth, reconnection to community & culture, healthy life skills, and, wellness & recovery support. Ms. Rich resides in the Paint Town Community.

(d) 828.359.6424 | (m) 828.736.6664 | bjrich@ebci-nsn.gov

JAMES "JIM" PANTHER

TERO COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Mr. James “Jim” Panther serves TERO as a Compliance Officer. Jim brings to the TERO Compliance Team law enforcement experience from the Cherokee Indian Police Department where he worked for many years. Mr. Panther is a resident of the Big Cove Community and the father of four children.


(d) 828.359.6543 | (m) 828.736.3627 | jamepant@ebci-nsn.gov

JACOB "JAKE" CROWE

TERO COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Mr. Jacob Crowe joined TERO in the position of TERO Compliance Officer. He is a proud resident of the Birdtown Community. Jake recently graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

In his spare time, he can be found fishing bass tournaments, enjoying his travels in and out of state. When Jake is not fishing, he can be found either playing slow pitch softball or in the wood’s deer hunting.

(d) 828.359.6544 | (m) 828.736.3627 | jacocrow@ebci-nsn.gov

HILLARY NORVILLE

JOB BANK COORDINATOR

Ms. Hillary Norville serves TERO as a Job Bank Coordinator. Hillary received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic Communications at High Point University. She also obtained a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree at Wake Forest University School of Law and earned her paralegal certificate from UNC Chapel Hill.

Her hobbies include reading and hiking. Hillary is from the Snowbird Community.

(d) 828.359.6422 | (m) 828.788.1830 | hillnorv@ebci-nsn.gov

DOUGLAS McCOY

JOB BANK COORDINATOR

Mr. Douglas McCoy joined TERO in a Job Bank Coordinator position. Doug received two bachelor’s degrees from ETSU, one in Political science and the other in Sociology. His experience with applied statistics is a benefit to the Employment Team.

Doug’s interests include gardening, foraging the mountains for food, spending time with family, and reading. Mr. McCoy is from the Big Cove community, where he is an active participant who participates as a volunteer in community projects and activities.

(d) 828.359.6478 | (m) 828.788.1824 | dougmcco@ebci-nsn.gov

DEZRAE FRANCISCO

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/OFFICE COORDINATOR

Mrs. Dezrae Francisco serves TERO as an Administrative Assistant/Office Coordinator. Dezrae brings extensive experience as an administrative assistant in various types of office settings.

She enjoys reading and attending sports events that her family are involved in. Mrs. Francisco moved to Cherokee from Colorado in 2016 with her husband, Mr. Robert Palomo, and their three children. Dezrae currently resides in the Wolftown Community.

(d) 828.359.6419 | (m) 828.788.1831 | dezrfranc@nc-cherokee.com