Meet our Leadership Team

Drake Littledeer

President | Cherokee & Navajo

Founder and President of The Blue Star Foundation, Drake Littledeer is a United States Marine Corps veteran who served two deployments and proudly calls Stilwell, Oklahoma, home. His vision for the Foundation is rooted in service, integrity, and strengthening Native communities through Indigenous-led grassroots advocacy.

Drake believes lasting change begins with empowered communities. Under his leadership, the Foundation is committed to empowering local leaders, extending resources to forgotten and vulnerable members of the community, holding those in positions of power accountable, pursuing the truth, and building a better tomorrow for future generations.

Derrick Ross

Vice President | Cherokee

A proud resident of Lyons Switch in Adair County, Oklahoma, Derrick Ross has dedicated years to serving Cherokee citizens by helping families access essential resources and advocating for those whose voices too often go unheard. His mission has always been to stand beside the people of his community by ensuring their concerns are heard and by holding leadership accountable to the responsibilities entrusted to them.

Derrick is passionate about strengthening Native communities through transparency, civic engagement, and grassroots advocacy. His personal motto reflects both his passion and personality: "Truth, Accountability, and Frybread."

Taylor Hooper

Secretary | Cherokee

With a passion of helping others & organizing Taylor joins our team as the Secretary. She currently resides in Stilwell Oklahoma with her family and is eager to contribute to her community in ways that never seemed possible before. 
Taylor joined The Blue Star Foundation to participate in making an impact strengthening our community by supporting and uplifting our most vulnerable members. And to promote protecting our earth for future generations. 

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”

Nichole Goade

Treasurer | Cherokee

Southern California Native, Nichole Goade has dedicated her life to leadership, advocacy, and helping others navigate complex systems. Drawing on years of experience in finance, legal research, and organizational leadership.  She plays a role in advancing The Blue Star Foundation's mission through strategic planning, financial oversight, and investigative research.

Lasting change begins by extending a hand to those who need it most.  This creates opportunities that empower individuals, stengthen families, and build resilient communities for generations to come.