Wind River Development Fund Welcomes Leslie Shakespeare as Chief Implementation Officer
The Wind River Development Fund (WRDF) announced today that Leslie Shakespeare has joined the organization as its new Chief Implementation Officer. In this leadership role, Shakespeare will join the WRDF executive team and be responsible for implementing the $36 million EDA Recompete grant and $4 million of outdoor recreation grants. Shakespeare previously served as the Rocky Mountain Regional Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Paul F. Huberty, Executive Director, said, “We are very pleased to have Leslie join our team as we implement over $40 million of economic development projects for the Reservation. Leslie brings significant leadership experience to our organization and he is passionate about our mission to serve the Wind River community. His executive experience working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and his service on the Eastern Shoshone Business Council will strengthen our organization at this pivotal time.”
In the newly created Chief Implementation Officer (CIO) position, Shakespeare will lead the implementation and execution of the Recompete strategic initiatives in partnership with the Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer. Two key projects that Shakespeare will lead include construction of the Tribal Buffalo Center at the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative and a new Ecotourism Visitors Center (Tribal Fish & Game complex) to be located in Fort Washakie.
In speaking about his new role, Shakespeare said, “I’ve always believed my environment should reflect the values I carry. Wind River is my home, and I’ve seen both the challenges and the deep resilience of our people. I’m committed to making sure our investments create lasting impact—lifting up our communities, expanding opportunity, and building a future that reflects our strength, vision, and potential. This work is personal to me, and it’s grounded in a promise to serve with purpose and heart.”
Erika Warren-Yarber is WRDF’s Chief Operating Officer and she was instrumental in securing significant funding for the Reservation’s economic development projects. In commenting about Shakespeare joining the team, she said, “I am incredibly excited to have Leslie join as our newest team member. His specialized skills in land and project management will undoubtedly strengthen our capabilities and accelerate our strategic goals.” Warren-Yarber and Shakespeare will work closely to ensure the successful completion of 14 projects over the next five years.
Shakespeare, who is an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, recently served as the Rocky Mountain Regional Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in Billings, MT. Previously, he served for six years as Superintendent of BIA for the Wind River Agency. Shakespeare was elected to the Eastern Shoshone Business Council in 2016 and served as Vice Chairman until 2019. Prior to serving on the Business Council, he was Tribal Liaison to the Wyoming Governor’s Office. Shakespeare has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming, a master’s degree from Norwich University, and he completed the Leadership Wyoming program in 2017.