The Executive Council contains members of the administration for the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma, UNL, and the City of Lincoln.
Dr. Mark Button has been dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln since July 1, 2019. He also serves as a professor of political science. Button was previously with the University of Utah, where he served in many leadership roles over the past decade, including department chair, associate chair, and director of graduate studies. During his time there, he recruited and retained award-winning faculty across all ranks, spurred new research and academic collaborations in many of the colleges, and expanded the undergraduate curriculum and majors. He also increased the diversity of students and faculty, established new scholarships, increased graduate student funding, and created a successful campus-community public dialogue series.
Button is a first-generation college student and holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in peace studies from the University of Oregon. His doctorate in political science is from Rutgers University. Button has written two scholarly books and numerous articles that focus on political ethics, deliberative democracy, and the history of moral and political thought.
Dr. Jennifer Nelson is the Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In her current role, Nelson is responsible for research strategy and infrastructure and serves as Nebraska's research integrity officer, overseeing the university’s efforts to comply with national requirements and norms for responsible conduct of research and conflict of interest. She has been a Nebraska faculty member since 2011 and has served as director of administration of the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior.
Dr. Tiffany Heng Moss was named dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in December 2018 after serving as interim dean for 18 months. As an administrator in the college, Heng-Moss has led the development of IANR’s graduate education strategic framework, college-level attributes, and three college-wide academic degree programs, including an individualized program of study.
Prior to her appointment as interim dean, Heng-Moss taught and developed courses in the Department of Entomology for both undergraduate and graduate students. She also led the development and implementation of the college's bachelor's degree program in insect science.
Heng-Moss has received the University of Nebraska's Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award. She has authored and co-authored more than 90 refereed teaching and research articles, with her research focused primarily on insect science and pest management. Her research and teaching programs have secured over $50 million in grants and foundation support.
Heng-Moss received her Bachelor of Science in horticulture in 1995, her Master of Science in entomology in 1997, and her Ph.D. in entomology in 2000. All degrees were awarded from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Paul Barnes, MBA, AICP began working as the Long Range Planning Manager for the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Department in March of 2016 where he supervises development of the Comprehensive Plan, Capital Improvement Program, Long Range Transportation Planning, and various design review boards. Barnes obtained his B.S. in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University in 2004 and an M.B.A. from the University of South Dakota in 2008. Barnes has 20 years’ experience working with low and moderate income neighborhoods, development review, and long range planning.
Maggie Stuckey-Ross is the Director of the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Lincoln, where she leads a team of 600+ in the management and operation of $400 million in assets across the community, including parks, trails, pools, public golf courses, and recreation centers. Prior to her work with the City, Stuckey-Ross worked in the non-profit industry and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. A native of Lincoln, Stuckey-Ross is the proud aunt to 26 amazing kids. Along with her husband David, she enjoys Nebraska basketball and spending time with friends, family, and their rescue dogs.
John R. Shotton is the current Chairman of the Native American Financial Services Association and is also the Chairman of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians. He has served in that capacity since being elected in November 2007. Prior to being elected to the office of Chairman, he served on the Tribal Council as the First Member for two years. Chairman Shotton is a member of the Owl Clan and belongs to the Otoe Eloska Society as well as the Red Rock Creek Gourd Dancers.
Chairman Shotton holds a Bachelors of Business Administration and a Masters of Public Administration Degree from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to serving the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Chairman Shotton worked for the University of Oklahoma’s American Indian Institute developing and administering programs for tribes across the United States. In 2012, Chairman Shotton was recognized as one of the “Native American 40 under 40” by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.
Anna Bighorse works as a Director, Child Support at Ponca Tribe, which is a Government company with an estimated 77 employees; and founded in 1950. They are part of the Social Work team within the Medical & Health Department and their management level is Director. Anna is currently based in Ponca City, United States. The Office of the Executive Director oversees the various tribal departments and employees to ensure that tribal business is in compliance with tribal policies.
Myra L. Pickering is the current 2nd member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians tribal council. She has held this elected position since 2019. Councilwoman Pickering is the youngest daughter of the late Dr. Aaron and Louise (Poorhorse) Gawhega; the paternal granddaughter of the late Raymond Childs Gawhega, full-blood Missouria, and the late Pearle Murray Gawhega Maker, Iowa; the maternal granddaughter of the late Sidney and Jeannette (Primeaux) Poorhorse, Ponca. For 26 years, she has been married to her husband Sheridan Pickering and they have 2 children, S. Bluebird and August Pickering. She is also a member of the Buffalo clan.
As a dedicated leader, Councilwoman Pickering advocates for the rights and welfare of her tribal members and community. Her commitment to preserving her tribe’s heritage and promoting cultural education is deeply rooted in her family legacy. She strives to empower the next generation of Otoe-Missouria tribal members, ensuring their voices are heard and their traditions honored.
Amanda Callaway is an advisor to the Mayor of Lincoln, overseeing the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, Lincoln City Libraries, and the Mayor’s One Lincoln initiative. The One Lincoln initiative works to realize the vision of a community where people of every race, religion, culture, class, age, ability, and identity feel understood and enjoy a true sense of belonging. Prior to working for the Mayor of Lincoln, Amanda worked in the non-profit sector as well as state government, first as a Legislative Aide to a state senator and then as the External Affairs Manager at the Nebraska Department of Transportation.