Meet Our Staff

Ronnie Jo Horse is Western Native Voice’s Executive Director. She’s a citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation located in South Dakota. Ronnie Jo was born in Rapid City, South Dakota, and was raised in Southeastern Montana on and near the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Ronnie Jo has an Associates Degree in General Studies from Chief Dull Knife College, a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Montana State University- Bozeman, and a Master’s Degree in Legal Studies with a focus on Tribal Policy, Law and Government from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Ronnie Jo enjoys traveling, sewing, and helping in her communities.

Ta’jin Perez works as the Deputy Director for Western Native Voice. His work inspires Indigenous leadership across Montana, both in tribal nations and urban areas. Ta’jin grew up in Wyoming, is a first-generation American, and a first-generation college graduate. He has a B.A. in History from Austin College in Sherman, TX. Ta’jin previously served on the City of Billings Human Relations Commission and ran for Billings City Council in 2017. He is the father of two children, Rowan and Elio.

Krystal Hill is the Chief Financial Officer with Western Native Voice. She was born and raised in Southeastern Montana. Krystal joined the team with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Management from Rocky Mountain College, bringing experience in Accounting for Tribal Governments and Federal Grant Management. Prior to her work with Western Native Voice, she worked in marketing and public relations for a rural telecommunications cooperative in Montana and North Dakota.

Krystal is an avid long-distance runner, competing in many local and regional runs, and she enjoys spending time with her husband Paul, and her children.

Tracie Garfield is the Communications Director with Western Native Voice. She is Assiniboine and a member of the Fort Peck Tribes. She has over 20 years of experience in public relations and marketing in Indian country. Prior to Western Native Voice, Tracie developed her PR and marketing skills at a telecommunications company, and at an award-winning ag publication. You can find Tracie in the mountains hiking when she is not working or spending time with her 10 grandchildren.

Lorna Soldier Wolf, an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, is Western Native Voice’s Office Manager located in Billings. Raised in Muddy Creek, Lorna learned the importance of hard work and dedication from a young age. She comes with ten plus years of professional experience in Office Administration and works diligently to ensure the office operates smoothly and efficiently. Lorna believes developing solid relationships is the foundation of everything she does professionally and personally.

Lorna loves spending her free time with her family. She continues to help in her community and encourages her children always to help and give back when they can.

Tristen Belgarde is the Youth Program Director at Western Native Voice. Tristen was raised in Rocky Boy, Montana and graduated from Rocky Boy Jr/Sr. High School. Tristen graduated from MSU-Billings in the spring of 2021, with his Bachelors of Arts in History with Teaching Option and Minor in Political Science; Social Science (Broadfield) Endorsement. Tristen is a former collegiate athlete competing at MSU-Northern in cross country. Tristen strives for self-improvement and this carries over to everything in his life including, his work with the youth. Tristen enjoys spending time with his fiancé and his cat Loki, working out, listening to music, playing video games, and going for long runs.

Kori is the web and social media manager for Western Native Voice. She was born in Seattle and has lived most of her life in eastern Montana. Kori has a BA in English and received her Masters in creative writing from Antioch University in Los Angeles in 2019.

Kori enjoys writing, dancing, roller skating, helping in her community, and spending time with her dog, Ginsberg.

Adam Beaves-Fisher is the Deputy Director of Governmental and Political Relations and has extensive experience in state and local campaigns, fundraising, communication, and political strategy.

Most recently, Adam served as Senior Development Officer at the Montana State University Billings Foundation. Before this role, Adam worked with various political organizations and campaigns, including serving as a legislative Aide in the Iowa legislature, and issue-based campaign strategist.