Kristi Cole is a Cherokee Nation citizen who grew up in Tahlequah, OK. She received her B.A. in Mass Communications from Northeastern State University.
Kristi began her career with Cherokee Nation in 2004, as part of the staff that opened the original Cherokee Casino in Tahlequah. In 2021, Kristi began working within Grant Services as a Grant Management Specialist helping manage grants through maintaining reporting requirements. In March 2022, she was promoted to Grant Development Supervisor, where she oversees and ensures grant applications are completed and submitted on behalf of Cherokee Nation and its departments. Kristi enjoys working with grants and the opportunities they bring to provide more services to the Cherokee People.
She maintains a professional membership in the Grant Professionals Association (GPA), is a Certified Gaming Commissioner through National Tribal Gaming Commissioners & Regulators, was recognized as a Cherokee Nation Employee of the Year in 2017, and is a graduate of Leadership Tahlequah Class 18. Kristi has represented Cherokee Nation at numerous conferences and symposiums as well as at the Oklahoma State Capital during Cherokee Nation Legislative Day. Her favorite thing to do is attend concerts and shop for records with her son, who will graduate from high school in 2024. They share of love of 90s rock and live music. She currently resides in Tahlequah with her son and their spoiled cat, Pretty Kitty.
