About Eastern Shawnee Companies
Eastern Shawnee Companies, LLC (ESC), is a board-governed holding company that proudly represents a collection of tribally owned small businesses providing professional services.
Our Focus
Empowering tribal communities and promoting economic growth through dedicated services.
By leveraging our experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by tribal entities, ESC aims to be a trusted partner for tribal, federal, municipal, and private clients alike. We are passionate about creating sustainable solutions that benefit our clients and contribute to preserving tribal heritage and the well-being of future generations.
We invite you to join us on this transformative journey as we build upon tradition, empower communities, and create a legacy that resonates for future generations.
Locations
Overland Park, Kansas
Wyandotte, Oklahoma
Our Leadership Team
With extensive experience in federal contracting and 8(a) program participation, the Eastern Shawnee Companies team delivers the operational and strategic foundation that drives client success and supports the economic advancement of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma.
Matt Metcalf, PE, F.SAME, Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, Matt is responsible for providing leadership for all aspects of ESC with an emphasis on business strategy, long-term goals, growth, profit, and return on investment.
Through his more than 30 years’ experience, Matt has provided leadership, project execution, client management and strategic planning in various positions for large and small private-sector organizations.
Matt was raised in Kansas City and has a degree in civil engineering from Purdue University. Upon graduation, Matt served nearly five years as an officer in the United States Navy and completed multiple deployments aboard the USS Curts and the USS Cleveland. After the service, Matt returned home to Kansas City where he served in various leadership positions in both large and small organizations. Over the past 10 years, Matt has served in executive positions for tribally owned enterprises.
Matt is a licensed Professional Engineer in Kansas and Missouri, is a Fellow in the Society of American Military Engineers, is a member of the American Legion. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family.
Judy Reagan, Chief Operating Officer
With a strong focus on financial excellence, Judy is responsible for the establishment of financial processes and systems that support the ESC enterprises. In addition, Judy is responsible for daily operations of ESC by maximizing profit while driving organizational culture and aligning talent with business objectives.
Judy is an innovative executive with more than 30 years’ experience leading organizations, projects, and people. She has a demonstrated ability to drive growth executed by diligent operations and financial prudence. As a creative problem solver, Judy thrives in times of change while keeping a long-term focus.
Before joining ESC, Judy spent most of her professional career in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) space.
In her free time, Judy likes to spend time with her horses, dogs, and cats. She’s also an avid Jeep enthusiast and usually has at least one project vehicle in the garage at all times.
Katie Summy, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Katie is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to oversee all legal entity management and 8(a) applications, leading all business development support activity, and assisting with the development and implementation of the ESC’s strategic plan.
Katie is a dedicated and authentic leader with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, communication and organizational planning within the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (A/E/C) industry in both large and small businesses. As a collaborative team player with an ownership mentality, Katie delivers high-quality strategic solutions to resolve challenges to drive business growth.
For the last decade, Katie has worked for tribally owned businesses to build initial marketing, proposal and business development systems focused on the federal market sector as well as manage compliance factors and obtain certifications to the SBA’s 8(a) business development program. Katie’s expertise is to create successful business strategies to grow multiple subsidiaries and develop mentor-protégé and joint venture partnerships.
In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and two children by traveling, enjoying lake time and youth sports.
Kerry Patterson, Director of Marketing and Communications
Kerry leads the development and implementation of strategies that deliver full-service marketing and communications support across all Eastern Shawnee Companies subsidiaries. She also drives initiatives to strengthen the organization’s competitive position within the SBA’s Business Development program, ensuring alignment between corporate growth goals and the company’s broader mission to serve as an economic engine for the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma.
With more than 30 years of experience—10 of which have been dedicated to the tribally owned 8(a) contracting space—Kerry brings extensive expertise in proposal development and management, brand strategy, digital marketing, and corporate communications. Her background spans every facet of marketing and proposal operations, from strategic messaging and business development support to digital presence and stakeholder engagement. Kerry is deeply familiar with the SBA’s contracting assistance programs and has successfully supported numerous 8(a), mentor-protégé, and joint venture entities throughout her career.
Outside of work, Kerry serves on the leadership team of a senior dog sanctuary, where she lends her marketing and communications expertise to help give rescued dogs the retirement they deserve. She also treasures time spent with her husband, sisters, and beloved dogs.
Janae Levier, Director of Human Resources
Janae is responsible for ensuring human resources programs and initiatives are effective, efficient, and aligned to overall business objectives. She ensures recruiting, onboarding, and day-to-day HR operations reflect ESC’s mission and values.
Janae is a certified Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP), as well as a member of the National Native American Human Resources Association and Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). She is well versed in navigating compliance, compensation, employee relations matters, and is dedicated to fostering a workplace where people feel respected, engaged, and supported.
A native of northeast Kansas, Janae earned her bachelor’s degree from Haskell Indian Nations University in May 2016 and her master’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma Baptist University in December 2020.
In her free time, Janae can be found on outdoor adventures with her husband and toddler, finding joy in disconnecting and appreciating the outdoors.
Arthur McKinney, Director of Federal Programs
Arthur directs federal programs and strategic partnerships for Eastern Shawnee Companies (ESC), leading opportunity development and the growth of Eastern Shawnee Professional Services (ESPS) to advance ESC’s long-term objectives.
He brings over 20 years of experience building and leading high-performing teams in federal contracting, operations, business development, and compliance. Before joining ESC, Arthur served as General Manager for two Alaska Native Corporation–owned firms, overseeing subsidiaries in information technology, professional services, and construction. His leadership drove measurable growth in revenue, contract value, and workforce capacity—demonstrating his ability to turn strategic vision into results.
Arthur has led and delivered federal contracts for the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, Department of the Treasury, Bureau of Indian Education, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Guard Bureau, among others. His experience offers deep insight into agency missions, acquisition practices, and performance expectations across the federal marketplace.
His success is grounded in more than two decades of U.S. Army service as a Special Forces Green Beret and Military Intelligence Warrant Officer—experience that continues to shape his mission-focused, results-driven approach to federal program management.
Arthur holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Washburn University. He maintains an active Department of Defense Top Secret security clearance and is a member of the Special Forces Association, the Society of American Military Engineers, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He resides in Overland Park, Kansas, and enjoys time with family, learning, and his dogs.
Kass Kastning, Director of Operations
As Director of Operations, Kass oversees the execution of Eastern Shawnee Companies’ strategic and operational goals across its growing portfolio of federal contracts. He provides leadership to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, teams are supported effectively, and clients receive exceptional service and value.
With more than 25 years of experience in operations, project management, and technology leadership, Kass has a proven track record of aligning teams and processes to drive organizational performance. Before joining Eastern Shawnee Companies, he held leadership roles including Operations Director at Geographic Information Services, Inc. and Manager of Development Services at Spatial Insights, Inc. His background includes deep expertise in software development, geospatial services, process improvement, and customer success management for clients such as Arlington National Cemetery, the Army Geospatial Center, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kass earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Science and Technology, with a minor in Geography, from James Madison University. He lives in Haymarket, VA and in his free time enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and watching science fiction.
Candy Vail, Controller
As Controller for Eastern Shawnee Companies, Candy oversees all aspects of financial management, including accounting operations, reporting, budgeting, and audit preparation. She plays a key role in supporting organizational growth by maintaining accurate financial controls and ensuring compliance with both internal policies and federal contracting requirements.
Candy brings more than 15 years of accounting and finance experience across a range of industries, including tribal enterprises, healthcare, and private-sector organizations. Before joining Eastern Shawnee Companies, she served as Controller for Eubanks Equipment, where she managed multi-location accounting operations and developed process controls to strengthen financial reporting. Her previous roles include Senior Staff Accountant for Coffeyville Regional Medical Center and Gaming Accountant for Cherokee Nation Entertainment, where she gained valuable experience in operational accounting and audit compliance.
Known for her attention to detail and practical leadership style, Candy focuses on improving efficiency and transparency in all aspects of financial management. She is skilled in month-end closing, payroll oversight, financial analysis, and cash flow forecasting.
Candy earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Pittsburg State University and an Associate of General Studies from Labette Community College.
Candy lives in Altamont, Kansas, where she enjoys running Whiskey Creek Retrievers, her family’s dog breeding and training business. Outside of work, she can often be found participating in hunt tests or spending time with her family.
