HoWe WahZhaZhi Zani!
I hope this statement finds you well and in good health. My name is William Kemble and I am humbled to announce my candidacy for the 9th Osage Nation Congress. I was born and raised in Hominy, OK and am the youngest son of Jim Kemble Sr. (Ponca) and Linda LaZelle (Osage). My wife, Brooklyn, and I reside in Skiatook, OK with our four children.
After graduating from Hominy High in 2001, I furthered my education by receiving both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2005 and a Master of Science in Accountancy from Oklahoma State University in 2006.
Since 2006 to current, I’ve attained 15+ years of experience in public accounting performing financial statement audits in various industries including manufacturing, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, tribal governments, collegiate institutions, and non-profits as well as performing Compliance Audits over federal and state funding. This experience mandated ethical compliance in accordance with nationally recognized accounting and auditing standards.
From 2009 through 2012, I served as a Financial Controller at Osage Nation’s gaming enterprise (f/k/a Million Dollar Elm Casino) and as Treasurer of the Osage Nation. During this time, I was an integral part of implementing accounting software systems and establishing financial and accounting policies as well as other company policies and procedures. Since my time as Osage Nation Treasurer, I am pleased to see that the Nation has progressed under Osage Nation Supreme Court opinions Standing Bear vs Whitehorn in 2015 and Standing Bear v. Pratt in 2016. Both opinions settled issues over unconstitutional legislation and separation of powers which was greatly needed prior to my service terms.
Since 2020, I’ve also been a member of the Ponca Enterprise Gaming Board playing a crucial role in modernizing their by-laws and company policies and providing financial oversight. My service has included being vice chairman of the board and chairman of both the finance-audit committee and information technology committee.
I am confident that my professional background would be invaluable in considering appointees to the Nation’s various enterprise boards, producing diligent legislation, and promoting performance accountability. Furthermore, if the Osage constituency were to support my election, my areas of focus would be as follows:
- Promoting transparency through financial and performance reporting,
- Supporting self-sustaining programs and projects,
- Expanding and improving Housing opportunities,
- Passing legislation to establish and preserve our tribal sovereignty, and
- Promoting cultural preservation to improve healthy well-being to Osage households.
It will always be my endeavor to promote a collaborative and productive working environment, financial and reporting success, and an effective and efficient system of “checks and balances” of an organization as well as preserving a healthy culture. If you wish to know more about me, please visit my Facebook page William Kemble for 9th Osage Nation Congress.
This June, I humbly ask that you consider me for your vote. I am #14 on the ballot. May Wakonda always bless and protect you and your loved ones.
Respectfully,
William Kemble
Editor’s Note: Candidate statements and announcements are not edited by the Osage News. They are a free submission offered to candidates of the 2024 Osage Nation Congressional Election.
