The people behind the scenes

Board of Directors

Larry Knudsen

Larry Knudsen

Ho Chunk Nation, Black River Falls, Wisconsin
CEO, Indigenous in Music and Arts, Sarasota, Florida
Host/Producer, Indigenous in Music with Larry K
CEO, Two Buffalo Roofing and Waterproofing Supplies Sarasota, Florida

Larry K is host and producer of the Indigenous in Music Radio show which is recorded and distributed every week to over 70 stations around the US.   Our show is currently syndicated on three networks.  We are heard twice heard twice daily on our Flagship station Native Voice One (NV1) The Native American Radio Network.

Larry currently serves and President/CEO of Two Buffalo Roofing and Waterproofing Supplies and President/Founder of the Rotary Club of Bradenton Social Impact 2023 and as president of the South Minneapolis Rotary Club 2001-2002; he was a participant in Leadership Minneapolis-Class of 2001; a Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce Program.  He has been named 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year from the American Indian Economic Development Corporation and 1999 Entrepreneur of the Year from the Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce.

Larry has served as director of the March of Dimes, Minnesota Chapter, American Indian OIC, Minnesota State Council OIC, Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Street Council.

George O'Neil

George O’Neil

Treasurer
Sarasota, Florida

Brandis Knudsen

Brandis Knudsen

Yankton Sioux Nation, South Dakota
CEO/President Dakota South Records
tdg | a digital agency
Sales Manager

As well as being an artist on Dakota South Records, Knudsen is also the President of the label which is home to multiple other rising artists in the music industry. Additionally, Knudsen is the Director of Small Business Development and Investor Relations for Elevate Rapid City. Prior to his current role, he has also held leadership roles within the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce, the Rapid City Journal, and Car Now Acceptance Company and brings with him a background in Networking and Public Relations, Membership Growth and Professional Development, Business Consulting, Marketing and Advertising, Sales and Customer Service, and Collections and Telemarketing.

Darren Geffre

Darren Geffre

Blackfeet Nation, Montana
IT Network Adminstrator, The Down Race Track and Casino, Albuquerque, NM

Born and raised in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Darren’s music has captured fans of all ages. Darren has been playing and singing in bands since he was 16 yrs old. His previous groups include: Black Diamond, Crimson, and a “NAMMY” nominated group Wakinyan”. Darren’s original music was nominated for a 2001 Native American Music Award for the single “If I Ever”, in the category of Best Independent Recording. Darren’s album “Uncivilized” has sold over 15,000 copies, enough to get him a 2005 Entry level “Grammy” nomination for “Best New Artist” & “Album of the Year”.

Travis Zimmerman

Grand Portage Band, Minnesota
Minnesota Historical Society, Onamia, Minnesota

I am a history geek, nerd, buff, whatever you want to label it as. Everything is history, so it all fascinates me. I am very interested in American Indian history, specifically Ojibwe history and culture. I have a lot of experience in working with non-profits. I have started non-profits, served on the board and been board president of non-profits, executive director and program manager of non-profits and started as a youth worker and counselor for several non-profits out of college. Having all those experiences from direct service to administration to fiduciary and legal responsibility gives me a unique perspective that not everyone has.

Dr. Sarvadaman (Abe) Pathak

Research Physician – Invoteclabs, Lutz, Florida
Director – Harvard Club of Broward County

As a Research Physician at Invoteclabs, I apply my expertise in clinical trials, data analysis, and academic medicine to design and conduct innovative studies that address unmet medical needs. I have a Global Clinical Scholars Research Training from Harvard Medical School and a Post Doctoral Fellowship in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Dalian Medical University, which enable me to integrate cutting-edge scientific methods with holistic approaches to health and wellness.

With over 6 years of experience as a President and CEO of two healthcare companies, I have also developed strong skills in leadership, business development, and public speaking. I am passionate about creating and delivering solutions that improve the quality of life for patients and communities. I have authored and co-authored multiple publications on topics such as nutraceuticals, antioxidants, and prenatal nutrition, and I have received honors and certifications from prestigious institutions such as the National Science Foundation and the NIDA Clinical Trials Network.

Gail Hayden

Free Lance Writer, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Kirstie Mattos

Taino, Texas
Mrs. South Dakota USA Taino Rapper, MMIP Advocate, Houseparent
Indigenous Designer/Model-Taino Suerte

I am an excellent communicator with the ability to create lasting relationships. I have a rather diverse background and strongly believe that anything can be learned. Pipe Fusing Certified, OSHA 10 Certified, OSHA 30 certified, ProCore Certified. Experience with Auto CAD, Revit, Navisworks, Bluebeam and Prolog.

Underwriters & Partners

  • PRX
  • tdg
  • Cars
  • Native Voice One
  • Say Magazine
  • Pacifica Network
    wall of musical instruments