Penny Holmes is the Special Projects Officer - Executive Admin based in Tahlequah, OK, with over 27 years of experience in education and public service. Her career has spanned a wide range of impactful roles, including working with federal grants and programs, teaching Cherokee culture, supporting lower elementary classrooms, coordinating testing, managing child nutrition programs, and serving as an administrative assistant to the superintendent. She has also held leadership roles such as cheer coach, school calendar and staff coordinator, and scheduling lead.
In addition to her work in education, Penny spent five years as a branch manager for a staffing agency, where she oversaw budgeting, recruitment, compliance, and client relations. She later served three years as a recruiter for Cherokee Nation and currently brings her expertise to her dual role as Special Projects Officer and Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff.
Penny’s personal life is equally inspiring. She has been married to her husband Kenneth for 41 years and is the proud mother of three sons. A devoted member of Barber Baptist Church, she has served as a pianist, organist, Sunday School teacher, and Vacation Bible School coordinator. Penny has also been a passionate volunteer with the Relay for Life Foundation, serving four years as a team captain, one year as donation coordinator, and two years as co-coordinator, in honor of her son who bravely battled cancer.
Penny is known for her unwavering dedication, compassionate leadership, and ability to bring people together to achieve meaningful goals.
