Deidra Mitchell – President & Chief Executive Officer
Deidra Mitchell serves as President & CEO of Waséyabek Development Company, LLC (WDC), a 100% Tribally-owned economic development entity of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). Since joining WDC in April 2016 and opening the Grand Rapids, Michigan, office, Deidra has aligned resources; gained consensus from stakeholders; orchestrated the acquisition of seven real estate properties, four commercial businesses and two passive investments; and has grown Waséyabek Federal Group (WFG) to execute on more than $170MM of Federal contracts currently. Her efforts have resulted in a more robust internal and external business infrastructure as well as increased revenue, WDC brand recognition, Tribal Member career development opportunities, and assets under management.
Deidra, a Kent State University graduate, built an early name for herself in environmental remediation projects and program management. She went on to start 10 businesses and successfully hold executive-level positions in Indian Country, including Executive Vice President of Business Development and CEO. Private owners, corporations, Native American companies, and Alaska Native Corporations have benefited by gaining new business ventures that were researched, formed, and launched under her direction.
WDC and its subsidiaries have grown dramatically under Deidra’s leadership. WDC has evolved from three employees to more than 445; three subsidiaries to 23; and from one location in West Michigan to locations from coast to coast. WDC’s portfolio consists of a mixture of passive and active investments, including commercial real estate and businesses operating in the commercial and Federal contracting sectors. Companies are engaged in business consulting, engineering, manufacturing, cancer treatment, trucking and transportation, IT, environmental, and facilities support services.
Deidra has become a recognized leader in Indian Country, developing and implementing tribal economic diversification strategies utilizing best practices in strategic planning, due diligence, and operational controls that work within the unique governance structures of Tribes. She has served as a panelist and speaker at numerous local and national conferences and co-hosted Tribal Talks; a podcast focused on Tribal economic development. In 2019, Deidra organized nine of the 12 Federally-recognized tribes in Michigan to complete a study on tribal non-gaming economic impacts in the state.
Deidra serves on the Board of Directors for the Literacy Center of West Michigan and the Grand Rapids Symphony. She is also a Member of the West Michigan CEO Council through the Grand Rapids Chamber. In 2022, Deidra was named Investor Dealmaker of the Year by MiBiz. The Grand Rapids Business Journal also named Deidra as Top 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan and the Top 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan.
Life outside of work includes nature, hiking, mosaic art, traveling, pets, fishing, writing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Deidra Mitchell serves as President & CEO of Waséyabek Development Company, LLC (WDC), a 100% Tribally-owned economic development entity of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP). Since joining WDC in April 2016 and opening the Grand Rapids, Michigan, office, Deidra has aligned resources; gained consensus from stakeholders; orchestrated the acquisition of seven real estate properties, four commercial businesses and two passive investments; and has grown Waséyabek Federal Group (WFG) to execute on more than $170MM of Federal contracts currently. Her efforts have resulted in a more robust internal and external business infrastructure as well as increased revenue, WDC brand recognition, Tribal Member career development opportunities, and assets under management.
Deidra, a Kent State University graduate, built an early name for herself in environmental remediation projects and program management. She went on to start 10 businesses and successfully hold executive-level positions in Indian Country, including Executive Vice President of Business Development and CEO. Private owners, corporations, Native American companies, and Alaska Native Corporations have benefited by gaining new business ventures that were researched, formed, and launched under her direction.
WDC and its subsidiaries have grown dramatically under Deidra’s leadership. WDC has evolved from three employees to more than 445; three subsidiaries to 23; and from one location in West Michigan to locations from coast to coast. WDC’s portfolio consists of a mixture of passive and active investments, including commercial real estate and businesses operating in the commercial and Federal contracting sectors. Companies are engaged in business consulting, engineering, manufacturing, cancer treatment, trucking and transportation, IT, environmental, and facilities support services.
Deidra has become a recognized leader in Indian Country, developing and implementing tribal economic diversification strategies utilizing best practices in strategic planning, due diligence, and operational controls that work within the unique governance structures of Tribes. She has served as a panelist and speaker at numerous local and national conferences and co-hosted Tribal Talks; a podcast focused on Tribal economic development. In 2019, Deidra organized nine of the 12 Federally-recognized tribes in Michigan to complete a study on tribal non-gaming economic impacts in the state.
Deidra serves on the Board of Directors for the Literacy Center of West Michigan and the Grand Rapids Symphony. She is also a Member of the West Michigan CEO Council through the Grand Rapids Chamber. In 2022, Deidra was named Investor Dealmaker of the Year by MiBiz. The Grand Rapids Business Journal also named Deidra as Top 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan and the Top 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan.
Life outside of work includes nature, hiking, mosaic art, traveling, pets, fishing, writing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.