From KPMG Auditor to Leading the Largest Tribal Government in the US

This week on SMU Stories we sat down with Lacey Horn, BBA ’04, MSA ’05. Lacey is a globally recognized financial executive and entrepreneur whose career has focused on advancing the economic future of Indigenous peoples. A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she is the Founder and CEO of Native Advisory, where she advises Tribal governments and companies seeking to work effectively with Indigenous communities.

Lacey previously served eight years as Treasurer of the Cherokee Nation, helping lead the financial strategy and operations of the largest Tribal government in the United States.

She serves in national governance roles including current board service with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, former Board Chair of the Native American Rights Fund, and former Chairperson of the U.S. Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee. She began her career as an auditor with KPMG in Chicago and as a Hunt Oil intern in Dallas. Lacey is a CPA and a private pilot. 

SMU recognized Lacey with its 2017 Emerging Leader Award, honoring the impact she was already making early in her career. More than two decades after graduation, she remains deeply connected to the Hilltop as a longtime donor and active member of the SMU community. Lacey loves to attend football games with her son Jack and husband Jerry.

Tune in on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=IsDl_Lp_U5VqxGNs&v=ScpN2NIkkY8&feature=youtu.be
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-1911-group-smu-stories/id1766308817
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7te1WlCykvCaZqwNiCXTLh?si=bQ_-wHYERmqLrmNg0ddhUg