Candace Schmidt

Candace Schmidt is an experienced leader serving as the Chairwoman for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska since January 2023, providing executive leadership to the Tribal Council. Prior to this role, Candace held the position of Director of Communications for Norfolk Public Schools from May 2021 to August 2023. Candace also worked for the City of Norfolk in various capacities, including Economic Development/Communications from July 2012 to May 2021, and as Economic Development Coordinator with the Norfolk Area (Elkhorn Valley) Economic Development Council from October 2009 to July 2012. Additional experience includes serving as Interim Executive Director for Elkhorn Valley Economic Development and working as a Grant Writer for Ponca Economic Development Corp. Candace's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology from Wayne State College, along with training from the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute and recognition as part of the NCAIED Top 40 Under 40.