Tony McGerr joined the Department of Indian Work in 2026 as Program Manager, supporting DIW’s culturally grounded services with an emphasis on American Indian Youth Enrichment (AIYE) and the Economic Mobility Hub. Tony values work that helps Indigenous community members (especially youth) build a sense of belonging, confidence, and strong cultural identity – while also ensuring they have practical support and clear pathways to stability.

Tony is a first-generation White Earth descendant through his father, an enrolled member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, and he also has Red River Métis roots; he is currently pursuing formal citizenship recognition through the Manitoba Métis Federation. In addition, his maternal grandfather was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and has heritage from the Otomí people.

Tony brings an operations background from IT administration and corporate/cross-team sales and marketing roles, along with an MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a concentration in Native American Leadership. He is especially passionate about building systems that make it easier for contributors to do great work, and he remains committed to learning from the community, elders, and families DIW serves.

Originally from the Elk River/Anoka, Minnesota area, Tony participated in American Indian Education programming as a K-12 student and has also spent years volunteering as a youth bowling coach, supporting student-athletes from elementary through high school. He enjoys history, genealogy, and building a life rooted in purpose and community.