From 2010 to the present, Marsha has successfully operated a retail store in Cherokee, North Carolina. As an entrepreneur, she is responsible for all management functions including all hiring; payroll and accounts payable transactions; advertising, marketing and sales; capital improvements and banking relationships; as well as maintaining compliance with local and county standards pertaining to her business. Marsha had the privilege of holding the status of First Lady for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for 12 years and during that time frame was involved in multiple community-related projects for the Tribe. Her foresight in recognizing the veterans of our community resulted in the idea of placing flags and other forms of veteran recognition in each of the Cherokee communities, including the Tribal Council House and the Cherokee Indian Hospital. This initiative further recognizes our Tribe’s appreciation for veterans and the sacrifices they have made to our nation and Tribe.
Marsha had the privilege of attending multiple events over Chief Hicks’ terms of administration and has created a large base of relationships in “Indian Country,” the state of North Carolina, and with leaders throughout the country. Marsha began her career working for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Head Start Program, where she was the family and community partnerships manager. Her major responsibilities included recruiting children to the program, meeting with parents to discuss program policies and protocols, completing monthly compliance reports, and performing extensive outreach to families to help them improve their overall socioeconomic status.
Marsha is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a bachelor of science degree in child and family studies. Marsha has also successfully completed the Johnson & Johnson Management Fellowship Program at UCLA. She previously served on the North Carolina Governor’s Residence Board, and currently chairs the Madison Hornbuckle Children’s Cancer Foundation in Cherokee. Marsha has contributed many volunteer hours to improve local school system initiatives, and coaches children in our local community. Marsha is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.