Native Public Media’s Brian Wadsworth Celebrated For Excellence in Indigenous Leadership

By Kyler Edsitty

Flagstaff, AZ, February 3, 2025 – Native Public Media’s Chief Operating Officer, Brian Wadsworth, was selected for the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) Native American 40 Under 40 Award.

Each year, NCAIED recognizes 40 young Indigenous leaders from all over Indian Country who have significantly impacted and demonstrated dedication to their communities. For 15 years, NCAIED has given this prestigious award to over 600 leaders to highlight their talent and influence in government, business, and activism. This year’s recipients will be recognized at the Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas, NV from March 10-13, 2025.

“Each of these remarkable individuals has shown a commitment to going beyond boundaries to build a bright future for Indian Country,” NCAIED President and CEO Chris James stated. “They join more than 600 past honorees in what has been an increasingly tight-knit and collaborative group. I’m excited to celebrate the 2025 class’s achievements at RES 2025 and follow their success in the years ahead.”  

Wadsworth has been a staple at Native Public Media starting with the organization in 2023.

Wadsworth graduated from the University of Nevada with Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Accounting. He also graduated from Gonzaga University with a Master of Business Administration in American Indian Entrepreneurship. Wadsworth has extensive experience in organizational leadership, financial management, auditing, and accounting-spanning Tribal and State Governments and the private sector. As the Chief Operating Officer, Wadsworth oversees the day-to-day operations, enhancing the Station Support Program and driving Native Public Media’s strategic goals under the direction of the President and CEO and the Board of Directors. 

"I am extremely honored and excited to receive this prestigious award,” Wadsworth stated. “It means a lot for me to serve my Indigenous communities. I am honored to work at Native Public Media where I get to work with Indigenous communities all over the country, and advocate for the Federal Communications Commission's Missing and Endangered Persons Event Code. This award is for my Numu (Paiute People), and I hope I can continue my work with our communities. I am very thankful and appreciative to the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development for this honor."

See the rest of the awards recipients here.

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