Board Member and Founder

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Retired artist and businesswoman, Jo Crooks, lives in an enchanted area near Yachats on the Oregon coast and directly adjacent to bustling Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota.  The contrast between these locations is gracefully navigated by Mrs. Crooks.  Jo is a compassionate benefactor and Board member for a variety of efforts and arts, culture, and educational programs in both communities.

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Jo has managed an assortment of tourism-focused efforts and businesses in her career.  For example, she and her husband Sonny, a tribal elder in the Mdwankaton tribe, helped the Swinowish tribe in Washington state start their first bingo hall.  Jo was an Associate Producer on Del Shores' A Very Sordid Wedding.