Leadership

Charlotte Meckel was born and raised in the Poarch community, with fond memories of attending the three-room schoolhouse on the Pow Wow grounds. At 16, she transferred to St. Mary’s, an all-girls school in South Dakota, where she graduated in 1967. She continued her education at Jefferson Davis Community College (now Coastal College) before beginning a 36-year civil service career with the federal government. Her husband’s military career took them across the country, eventually leading them to Anchorage, Alaska, where she continued her professional growth at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

In 1984, the same year the Tribe received federal recognition, Charlotte and her family moved to Germany, where she spent 26 years in various leadership positions. She was one of the first members selected to serve on the Ethics Board and remained deeply connected to her Tribal roots, returning to the U.S. frequently for training and Tribal Council meetings. After retiring in 2012, she returned home to Poarch and continued her service through various boards and committees before being elected as Tribal Council Secretary in 2016.

Charlotte has proudly served as Tribal Council Secretary for nine years, where she is responsible for polling the Tribal Council on resolutions, certifying minutes, preparing workshop notes for the Roundhouse, and overseeing the Tribe’s official records as Chair of the Records Committee. She also serves as an officer on the Executive Committee.

Her dedication to Tribal Citizens is reflected in her committee involvement:

• Health Legislative Committee – Advocating for healthcare services, including expanding behavioral health support
• Tribal Member Services – Supporting programs that enhance the well-being of Tribal Citizens
• Land & Natural Resources Committee – Working to protect and improve the Tribe’s natural resources
• Funeral Committee – Assisting families during times of loss

Charlotte is a strong advocate for senior citizens, working to increase Medicare premium assistance. She was honored to be appointed as an alternate Board Member for the Eastern Region at the National Americans Conference on Aging, ensuring elders receive up-to-date information on resources that enhance their quality of life.

During her 36-year civil service career, Charlotte held key leadership roles, including:

• Director, Printing & Publications Facility – Rodelheim, Germany (Supervised a diverse team for 20 years)
• Property Book Officer & Housing Director (Managed critical logistical operations)
• Special Assistant to the HQ IMCOM Commanding General (Supported high-level military leadership)

She graduated from the Army Management Staff College in Washington, D.C., earning credits in:

• Program Management I & II
• Executive & Upper-Level Management Programs
• Supply & Logistics Management

Her extensive background in government operations, leadership, and program development continues to shape her role in Tribal governance today.

Charlotte’s commitment extends beyond her official duties. She has played an active role in:

• Roberta McGhee Sells Education Department – Assisting with awards ceremonies and mentoring young Tribal Citizens
• Cultural Preservation – Helping establish the new Cultural Arena, ensuring Tribal traditions like Pow Wow dancing, stomp dancing, and stickball continue for future generations
• Economic Growth – Supporting Tribal business ventures, including a new meat processing facility that will create jobs for Tribal Citizens

She was recently recognized as a Top 50 Over 50 Honoree by Positive Maturity, highlighting her impact on the Poarch community and beyond. Last year, she joined Tribal Princesses in Aruba for a cultural exchange, reinforcing the importance of preserving and sharing Poarch Creek heritage.

Charlotte and her husband, Martin, have two children, Ron Salter and Allison Salter-Rodriguez, along with eight grandchildren: Kyle, Kaylee, Brenton, David, Caleb, Ariel, Harmony, and the late Andrew Salter—all proud Poarch Creek Indians.

In her spare time, she enjoys playing cards, working on crossword puzzles, traveling, and assisting with community events and fundraisers. Inspired by her mother, Ernestine Daughtry, who served on the Tribal Council for 17 years, Charlotte remains dedicated to serving Tribal Citizens with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to progress.