Our Staff – SAGE Development

SAGE Staff

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Joseph McNeil Jr.

General Manager
Shaun Little Horn

Communications and Development Director
Earth Hadjo

Marketing Manager
Quita Hines

Community Outreach & Project Coordinator
Shelby Zahn

Office Manager
Sierra Burke

Grants & Stewardship Manager
John Hollow Horn

Project Coordinator

Joseph McNeil Jr.

General Manager

Joe McNeil is an enrolled citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, bringing both leadership and dedication to his various roles within the community. As the President of the Standing Rock Development Corporation and Manager for Rock Industries Corp. in Ft. Yates, N.D., he plays a substantial role in driving economic growth and development in the region.

Married and a proud father of four children, Joe McNeil’s commitment to his community and his advocacy for Indigenous rights are unwavering. His exceptional leadership qualities have earned him recognition, including the prestigious Bush Foundation Fellowship for his outstanding contributions to the field. He is also a distinguished recipient of the MIT Oceti Sakowin Fellows Tribal Community Innovation award.

Joe’s academic journey led him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Sitting Bull College. His commitment to community service is evident in his past roles, including serving as a former member of the Tribal Council for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and as Vice Chair of the Sitting Bull College Board. Additionally, his involvement with the Wind Energy Tribes United showcases his dedication to sustainable energy solutions.

At present, Joe McNeil serves as the Chair of the Oyate Community Development Finance Institute, where his visionary leadership continues to drive positive change and community development. His multifaceted contributions make him a respected figure in both Indigenous activism and community economic development, embodying the values and aspirations of the Standing Rock Nation.

Shaun Little Horn

Communications and Development Director

Shaun Little Horn (Napé Sutá) is the Communications Director at SAGE Development. With a rich background in media, Shaun brings a wealth of experience to his role. He spent over a decade hosting a nationally syndicated talk show and served as a marketing manager for several prominent South Dakota television stations.

Shaun’s influence extends beyond the airwaves and television screens, as he has authored articles featured in more than 30 newspapers and ten magazines. Currently pursuing a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, he remains committed to expanding his knowledge and skills.

What truly fuels Shaun’s passion at SAGE is his deep-rooted desire to witness tribal nations exercise their constitutionally guaranteed sovereignty, further empowered by achieving energy independence. His unwavering dedication to these principles makes Shaun Little Horn an invaluable asset to the SAGE Development team, as he strives to promote and advance the interests of tribal communities and their journey towards self-determination

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Earth Hadjo

Marketing Manager

Earth Hadjo holds the pivotal role of Marketing Manager at SAGE Development, where her exceptional talents and unwavering commitment to the progress of Tribal nations shine. As an enrolled member of The Yamassee Nation of Seminoles, Earth not only embraces her cultural identity but also serves as a crucial bridge between her community and the global stage in her capacity as their dedicated Cultural and Government Liaison.

Beyond her marketing prowess, Earth is a highly proficient Software Engineer and Social Media expert. With her technical acumen, she fervently advocates for the protection and advancement of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and interests. Her tireless efforts in raising awareness about Indigenous ways of life have established her as a potent advocate for the marginalized, while also forging vital connections among Indigenous communities across the globe.

In Earth Hadjo, SAGE Development finds a true champion for the causes of Indigenous empowerment, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

Quita Hines

Community Outreach & Project Coordinator

Bio coming soon

Shelby Zahn

Office Manager

Shelby A. Zahn is of Hunkpapa and Sihasapa Lakota, Yanktonai Dakota, Ojibwe, and German heritages and an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Nation. These roots reflect the legacy passed on by her parents, Verald and Lillian (Eagle) Zahn.

A dedicated mother to eight wonderful children – four girls and four boys – Shelby has always juggled familial responsibilities with an insatiable drive for academic and professional excellence. Her educational journey led her to achieve a BS in Business Administration Management and Entrepreneurship from Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates, ND.

Professionally, she has led teams at Prairie Knights Casino’s Cash and Front Desk, played pivotal roles in Student Services at Sitting Bull College, and extended her expertise to SRST programs, including Elderly Nutrition, NAGPRA, and THPO. Her administrative prowess is evident through her roles in the SRST Higher Education, Tribal Health Administration, and the SRST Institute of Natural History and Paleontology.

Shelby’s entrepreneurial drive has been evident as well. For over fifteen years, she owned and operated a small construction business, primarily aiming to support the Elders and people with disabilities within her community. This blend of community service, business acumen, and deep-rooted connection to her heritage makes her an invaluable asset as SAGE’s Office Manager/Executive Assistant.

Sierra Burke

Grants & Stewardship Manager

Sierra Burke serves as the Grants and Stewardship Manager at SAGE Development, bringing with her an enriched global perspective, thanks to her degree in International Relations. This academic foundation has taken Sierra around the world, deeply enhancing her expertise in the intricate world of non-profit grant crafting and oversight.

Her experiences are further diversified by her time spent living and working in Puerto Rico. It’s here that Sierra recognized the transformative power of storytelling, leveraging it to highlight and uplift indigenous narratives.

Beyond the realm of grant management, Sierra is fervently dedicated to fostering and deepening donor relations. She understands and values the significance of genuine collaborations, recognizing their potential in effecting enduring change. At the heart of her work lies an unwavering commitment: championing positive evolution and consistent growth for SAGE.

John Hollow Horn

Project Coordinator

John Hollow Horn hails from Red Scaffold, SD and is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, belonging to the Minicouju band of Lakota.

John’s academic achievements are impressive. He holds two Associate of Applied Arts degrees in both Accounting and General Business from Oglala Lakota College in Kyle, SD. Further advancing his education, John attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Management, from the same institution. His quest for knowledge did not end there, as he also earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Native American Leadership, from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, OK.

Professionally, John has dedicated 23 years of service to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, assuming diverse roles and amassing a wealth of experience during his tenure.

Outside of his professional commitments, John is an avid sports enthusiast with a passion for basketball, volleyball, and softball. Walking, traveling, and culinary adventures occupy his leisure time. An endearing companion in his life is his American Bulldog, Paco, whom he considers his closest confidant. John also has a unique hobby of exploring thrift stores and rummage sales whenever he gets a chance.