Government
Meet the Executive Committee
- A Message from the Principal Chief
- Office of the Chief & Vice-Chief
- Executive Cabinet
- Bio – Elder of the Department of Tribal Affairs
- Bio – Elder of the Department of Treasury
- Bio – Elder of the Department of Culture and Heritage
- Bio – Elder of the Department of Communications
- Bio – Elder of the Department of Natural Resources
- Bio – Elder of the Department of Events and Activities
- Bio – Elder of the Department of Health
Dear Citizens of the Whitetop Nation,
As your Principal Chief, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and dedication to our Nation. Together, we have faced numerous challenges, and it is your resilience and commitment that continues to inspire me and all your leadership team.
Our rich heritage and traditions are what bind us together as a Native American Nation. Let us always remember the importance of unity, respect, and collaboration as we work towards a brighter future for us all. I encourage each of you to engage in our community activities, sharing ideas, and supporting one another.
Together, we can overcome any obstacles and thrive as a Native American Nation. Thank you for your strength and solidarity.
REMEMBER, WE ARE WHITETOP. WE ARE WHITETOP STRONG!
Johnny L. Mills, Principal Chief
As Principal Chief of the Whitetop Nation, Johnny Mills has many responsibilities to fulfill. He oversees the Executive Branch of the government and must execute tribal legislation, supervise the day-to-day operations of the tribe, negotiate and make treaties with federal, state, and local governments on behalf of the tribe, and advise and consult with the United States government on all activities that may affect the Whitetop Nation. Johnny’s duties also include nominating and appointing ambassadors, public ministers, judges of the Sovereign Court, and all non-elected Elders of the Whitetop Nation.
He has a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Arts in Education, and has completed a Sixth Year Program in Public Education Principalship. After 27 years in both public education and volunteer emergency services as a firefighter and chief, he presently works as the part-time Deputy Director of Woodford County, Kentucky, Emergency Management.
Some of Johnny’s goals for his time as Principal Chief include fully staffing all Executive Departments, streamlining processes and procedures within the Executive realm, ensuring the necessary and prudent use of departmental funds, and continuing to work with the Council, Court, and Elders to guide the tribe forward in the coming years.
A native of Harlan County, Kentucky, he is one of seven children born to a coal miner and a homemaker. Johnny lives in Georgetown, Kentucky, with his wife, Lisa, and enjoys spending time with his son, stepson, grandson, and granddaughter. When not occupied by his work or tribal duties, he can often be found camping with his wife, family, and dogs.
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Vice-Chief Pyles
(Bio Coming Soon)
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Travis Younce
Elder, Department of Tribal Affairs
Travis Younce has guided the Whitetop Nation as Department of Tribal Affairs Elder since 2023. The duties of this position include advising the Chief on all aspects of the Tribal Nation; serving as the single point of contact for all communications external to the Whitetop Nation, including tribe-to-tribe, tribe-to-state, tribe-to-federal, and tribe-to-foreign governments; conducting the tribal census; certifying tribal elections; maintaining and negotiating treaties and requirements set by state or federal requirements; coordinating with appropriate departments as required by law and/or by direction of the Office of the Chief; and a number of other responsibilities related to the efficient operation of the tribe.
He proudly served in the United States Navy, AGC(IW/AW/SW) (Ret), for 21 years. Military decorations include Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (x6), Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (x4), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (x2), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation (x2), Navy “E” Ribbon (x2), Navy Good Conduct (x6), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (x2), Kosovo Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal (x4), Humanitarian Service Medal (x4), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (x2), Sea Service Deployment (x5), Overseas Service (x3), NATO medal (x2), Navy Sharpshooter Rifleman, Navy Sharpshooter Pistol, and the United States Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation, in addition to various certificates, commendations, coins, and personal letters.
Travis earned a PhD in Public Policy, National Security, from Liberty University in 2025. He also holds an MA of International Relations from the University of Oklahoma, MA of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, is a 2022 J. Rufus Fears Fellow, and is a Meteorological Professional/Kindred. Academic Honors and Awards include Rose State Teacher of the Year Finalist 2025, Omega Nu Lambda Honor Society 2020, University of Oklahoma Dean’s List, 2005- 2008, 2017-2019, SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, and National Honor Society.
Elder Younce’s main goal this term is to finalize the documents required by the Bureau of Indian Affairs for federal recognition and to start apologizing to other federally recognized tribes the Whitetop Nation may have offended while researching our ancestors’ history. He also plans to continue shaping the Tribal Affairs Department and expand the Elections Office, Tribal Security Office, Human Resources Office, and Government Relations Office.
Travis and his wife Emily have been married since 2004, live in Norman, Oklahoma, and are the proud parents of one daughter and two sons. He enjoys a variety of native crafts including beadwork and creating moccasins.
Judy serves as the Elder of the Department of the Treasury. The duties of this critical position include monitoring the financial status of the tribe, providing accurate financial reports, overseeing budgets, filing required governmental reports and taxes, and handling accounts receivable and payable.
She served in the U.S. Army for seven years as an Administrative Specialist and then in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years as an Office Manager. She managed financial records, inventory, official correspondence, and coordinated meetings, calendars, and events for her commanding officers. During her service in the armed forces, Judy was presented with many awards and certifications. After leaving the military, she transitioned to the U.S. Postal Service where she retired with a total of 25 years of government service.
As Treasurer, Judy is committed to delivering prompt monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring her work provides the critical financial insights needed to guide strategic planning and empower sound decision-making as the tribe grows and its operations evolve.
A native of Hyden, Kentucky, she was one of seven children born to a coal miner and homemaker. Judy and her husband of 42 years now enjoy retired life in Maine with their two dogs.
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Carla Hayes
Elder, Department of Communications
Carla Hayes has served as the Elder of the Department of Communications since 2023. The Department of Communications serves many purposes within the Executive Branch: issuing tribal communications, creating and updating the tribal website, managing social media accounts, serving as the “post office” of the tribe for Council, Elders, and Departments, handling public affairs, and being a first point of contact for the media and potential citizens.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture – Food Plant Management from Missouri State University. After a stint in the business world and attaining CPS and CAP certifications, Carla transitioned to the world of education and spent 15 years working in special education, focusing specifically on reading and English. The local Community Teacher’s Association named her the 2015 Friend of Education recipient, and she is a member of the Missouri State Teacher’s Association. Additionally, she holds a TESOL certification and teaches English online to students around the globe.
While there are many goals for the Department of Communications in the coming years, primary objectives include expansion of the website, maintaining the security of our electronic resources, keeping citizen data confidential and secure, and assisting in the process of federal recognition.
Carla and her husband live on their family farm in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, which has been in her family since 1882. They have one adult son. She enjoys reading, photography, history, and travel.
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Joshua Olofsson Pennington
Elder, Department of Natural Resources
An avid outdoorsman, Joshua has taken his duties as the Elder of Natural Resources very seriously since his appointment in March 2024. The Department of Natural Resources protects and manages ancestral and tribal lands. This includes developing and implementing plans for the sustainable use of land, water, forests, wildlife, and other natural resources to ensure their health and availability for future generations. Joshua spearheaded the development of the Department of Emergency Management, formed after the natural disasters of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. He has also been active in providing support for the Whitetop Mountain (Virginia) Fire and Rescue Department and in organizing the Whitetop Nation’s participation in the Virginia Adopt-A-Highway program in Whitetop, Virginia.
Joshua has certifications in Environmental Science from Dartmouth, and Environmental Law and Policy from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. As a founder of the Sacred Trail Society, he has a Platinum Seal issued by Candid (formerly GuideStar) for Environmental Conservation for a registered nonprofit.
During his term as Department Elder, Joshua is focused on educating citizens about the importance of managing our lands and resources. He hopes to enrich citizens and youth through programs aimed at reclaiming ancestral knowledge and fostering connections with our ancestors, our native lands, and local wildlife.
Besides his involvement with the Whitetop Nation and the Sacred Trail Society, Joshua is an artisan of native drums, jewelry, and art. He and his family make their home in the mountains of North Carolina.