Ernest Woodward, Jr. PE

Ernest Woodward serves as the Executive Vice President of the Federal Contracting Group at Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's economic development entity, Prairie Band LLC. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing federal contracting initiatives, which are crucial for the economic growth and diversification of the tribe's assets. Prairie Band LLC was established in 2010 to manage and expand the business interests of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and it has since developed a portfolio of various subsidiary companies involved in federal government contracting.12

In addition to his role at Prairie Band LLC, Woodward co-founded Burton Woodward, a consulting firm that specializes in advising Native American-owned businesses on strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and access to capital.2 His background reflects a commitment to enhancing economic opportunities for indigenous communities through strategic business development and federal engagement.

Woodward's leadership is part of a broader strategy by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation to leverage its resources effectively and create sustainable economic growth for its members.1