PBDC Federal Group Launches Tribal Member Development Program, Appoints M’ko Daniels as General Manager
Potawatomi Ventures announced today the launch of a new Tribal Member Development Program designed to prepare the next generation of tribal leaders to support long-term economic growth and future prosperity through federal business development. As part of the inaugural program, M’ko Daniels has joined PBDC Federal Group as General Manager, reporting to Greg Kolean, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of PBDC Federal Group.
In his role, Daniels will support subsidiary-wide strategy and operations while gaining hands-on experience in federal business development and advocacy. His responsibilities include strategic and budget planning, identifying and capturing new federal opportunities, and supporting political advocacy related to federal regulations. He will also contribute to initiatives that strengthen profitability, reinforce organizational culture, and drive continuous improvement across key performance areas, while collaborating with leadership and professional managers across the organization.
“Preparing tribal members to understand, navigate, and lead within the federal business landscape is essential to our long-term success,” said Greg Kolean, VP and COO PBDC Federal Group. “This program is designed to provide real-world exposure to strategy, operations, and advocacy while building leadership capacity from within. M’ko brings both a strong educational background and a deep personal commitment to his Tribe, making him an excellent fit for this role.”
Daniels is an enrolled Forest County Potawatomi (FCP) tribal member who grew up on the Reservation in the Stone Lake, Wisconsin area. He has spent several years building experience within tribal enterprises, including serving as a Finance Intern with PBDC, an Intern with the Forest County Potawatomi Gaming Commission, and most recently as Vicechair of the Potawatomi Ventures board of directors.
Growing up on the Reservation provided Daniels with a strong understanding of the culture, history, and political landscape of the Tribe, shaping his passion for ensuring that tribal businesses continue to support today’s needs while strengthening opportunities for future generations.
“I’m honored to step into this role and grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders while contributing to work that supports our Tribe’s long-term success,” said Daniels. “I am deeply committed to using the skills I’ve gained to support the Tribe and help ensure our businesses remain strong for generations to come.”
Daniels holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the University of Nevada–Las Vegas and a Master of Legal Studies from the University of Oklahoma, where he specialized in Indigenous Peoples Law. As part of his role, he will continue his professional development through required government contracting and corporate training while working closely with PBDC Federal Group’s executive leadership.
“This program reflects our responsibility to invest in the next generation of tribal leaders,” said Kip Ritchie, CEO of Potawatomi Ventures. “By developing talent from within and providing meaningful leadership and advocacy experience, we are building the foundation for long-term prosperity and ensuring our businesses remain a source of strength for the community.”
The Tribal Member Development Program is expected to expand over time, creating additional opportunities for tribal members to gain experience in federal operations, advocacy, and executive leadership.
