Pevita Pearce
Top 100 accounting firm REDW has strategically acquired Soaring Bird Solutions, a distinguished woman-owned, Native American human resources consulting agency. This pivotal acquisition significantly expands REDW’s capabilities in providing comprehensive HR services, including HR process outsourcing, specialized training, and robust development programs, with a particular focus on tribal governments, enterprises, and nonprofits across the United States. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, Soaring Bird Solutions has cultivated a strong reputation for its dedicated approach to supporting organizations within Indian Country. The agency’s expertise lies in navigating the complex and unique human capital challenges faced by tribal entities, offering tailored solutions that respect sovereignty, cultural nuances, and operational specificities.
A Synergistic Union: Expanding Expertise and Reach
The integration of Soaring Bird Solutions into REDW marks a significant milestone in the firm’s ongoing commitment to serving tribal communities. Karla Bylund, the visionary founder and CEO of Soaring Bird Solutions and a proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, will transition to REDW as a principal within its esteemed HR Consulting practice. In this pivotal role, Bylund will spearhead the firm’s Tribal HR Support service line, leveraging her extensive experience to guide and expand REDW’s offerings.
Bylund will collaborate closely with Cristin Heyns-Bousliman, Principal and HR Consulting Practice Leader at REDW. Together, they will focus on broadening REDW’s human resources advisory services for tribal governments and enterprises nationwide. This strategic partnership aims to enhance REDW’s capacity to support tribal organizations as they adeptly navigate the intricate regulatory landscapes, diverse operational frameworks, and evolving workforce development needs inherent to Indian Country.
The experienced team from Soaring Bird Solutions, also based in Nevada, will join REDW, continuing their work remotely. This model mirrors their established operational structure and ensures continuity of service for their existing clientele. This continuity is a testament to the seamless integration envisioned by both organizations.
A Legacy of Service and Shared Values
Steve Cogan, Managing Principal of REDW, emphasized the long-standing relationship REDW has cultivated with sovereign tribal nations over the past four decades. "REDW has worked alongside sovereign tribal nations for more than four decades, supporting tribal governments and enterprises through advisory services," Cogan stated. "Karla brings more than 20 years of human resources leadership experience within tribal communities, along with deep expertise in organizational strategy, compensation design, and workforce development. Her knowledge and perspective will enhance our ability to provide comprehensive advisory services to tribal clients across North America."
Cogan further elaborated on the strategic rationale behind the acquisition, noting that it "reflects REDW’s long-standing commitment to thoughtful growth while maintaining the independence that has defined the firm for more than 70 years." He articulated the firm’s philosophy on strategic expansion: "As REDW continues to grow, it is important that we do so on our own terms. Remaining an independent firm allows us to control our own destiny, invest strategically in our people and capabilities, and make decisions that are guided solely by what is best for our clients, team members, and communities. The alignment between REDW and Soaring Bird Solutions made this partnership a natural and strategic fit."
For Karla Bylund, the decision to join forces with REDW was rooted in a profound alignment of values and a shared dedication to empowering organizations within Indian Country. "Over the years, we have thoughtfully explored opportunities that would allow us to expand our capabilities while continuing to deliver the personalized, relationship-driven service that defines Soaring Bird Solutions," Bylund explained. "After many conversations, it became clear that REDW shares our values, our commitment to clients, and our long-term vision for supporting organizations in Indian Country."
Bylund highlighted REDW’s decades-long presence and deep respect for tribal sovereignty and culture as key factors in her decision. "REDW has built trusted relationships across Indian Country by approaching its work with humility, respect, and a deep understanding of the communities it serves," she commented. "By joining forces, we are able to bring together specialized HR expertise with REDW’s broader advisory platform, creating even greater opportunities to support tribal organizations across the country."
Broader Impact and Enhanced Client Services
This strategic partnership promises to deliver significant benefits to clients of both REDW and Soaring Bird Solutions. Soaring Bird clients will gain access to REDW’s extensive suite of advisory resources, which include comprehensive audit and tax services, advanced cybersecurity solutions, specialized compensation consulting, robust financial advisory, and wealth management services. This expanded offering ensures that tribal organizations can access a holistic range of expertise to support their multifaceted needs.
"Our clients have always been at the center of everything we do," Bylund affirmed. "The relationships we have built will remain the same. What this partnership provides is additional depth and expertise that allows us to serve those organizations even more effectively."
Cristin Heyns-Bousliman expressed her enthusiasm for the integration, underscoring its significance in bolstering REDW’s capacity to provide culturally attuned expertise to tribal organizations. "We are truly excited to welcome Karla and the entire Soaring Bird team to REDW," Heyns-Bousliman stated. "Their deep experience supporting tribal governments and enterprises, combined with their cultural understanding and commitment to service in Indian Country, aligns beautifully with REDW’s mission and values. This partnership expands our ability to offer the specialized HR services our tribal clients rely on while bringing together two teams that share a genuine passion for strengthening organizations and communities. I look forward to working alongside Karla and her team as we continue building on REDW’s longstanding commitment to Indian Country."
A Name Rooted in Heritage and Purpose
The very name, Soaring Bird Solutions, carries deep personal and cultural significance for Karla Bylund. It directly reflects her Potawatomi name, Pneshi Bmashi, which translates to "Bird Who Soars," a designation bestowed upon her during a traditional naming ceremony. This name serves as a potent symbol of perseverance, unwavering purpose, and a profound commitment to undertaking meaningful work within tribal communities. The integration of this spirit into REDW’s operations is expected to infuse the firm’s tribal services with an even greater depth of understanding and dedication.
Context and Market Analysis
The acquisition occurs at a time when tribal nations are increasingly asserting their economic sovereignty and undertaking complex development initiatives. This necessitates sophisticated professional services that understand the unique legal, cultural, and governance frameworks within which tribal entities operate. The human capital aspect of these endeavors is paramount, influencing everything from employee engagement and retention to compliance with federal and tribal regulations.
The HR consulting market, particularly within specialized sectors like tribal governance, has seen consistent growth. A 2023 report by Grand View Research projected the global HR consulting market to reach $51.7 billion by 2030, driven by factors such as the increasing complexity of labor laws, the demand for talent management solutions, and the growing adoption of technology in HR processes. Within this broader landscape, the niche market serving tribal organizations presents unique challenges and opportunities, requiring consultants with specialized knowledge and a deep commitment to cultural competency.
Soaring Bird Solutions’ established track record and specific focus on tribal entities position it as a valuable asset in this evolving market. REDW’s established presence and broad advisory capabilities, now enhanced by Soaring Bird’s specialized HR expertise, create a formidable offering for tribal governments and enterprises seeking to optimize their human resources functions and achieve their strategic objectives.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Tribal Advisory Services
The strategic union between REDW and Soaring Bird Solutions is poised to set a new benchmark for comprehensive advisory services tailored to the needs of tribal nations. By integrating specialized HR acumen with REDW’s established strengths in audit, tax, finance, and technology, the combined entity is well-positioned to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing tribal organizations in the 21st century. This partnership underscores a shared vision for empowering tribal sovereignty through strategic business practices and a deep respect for cultural heritage. The sustained commitment to independence by REDW, coupled with the specialized expertise of Soaring Bird Solutions, signals a future where tribal organizations can access unparalleled support for their continued growth and success.
