Top 100 accounting firm REDW has acquired Soaring Bird Solutions, a woman-owned, Native American human resources consulting agency that specializes in full support HR services, HR process outsourcing, training, and development.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
Founded in 2015, Henderson, NV-based Soaring Bird Solutions built a practice dedicated to supporting organizations serving tribal governments, tribal enterprises, and tribal nonprofits across the U.S.
Karla Bylund, founder and CEO of Soaring Bird Solutions and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, will join REDW as a principal within the firm’s HR Consulting practice, where she will lead the Tribal HR Support service line.
In this role, Bylund will work closely with Cristin Heyns-Bousliman, principal and HR Consulting practice leader, to expand REDW’s human resources advisory services for tribal governments and tribal enterprises nationwide. She will also collaborate with REDW leadership to strengthen the firm’s ability to support tribal organizations as they navigate the unique regulatory, operational, and workforce challenges present within Indian Country.
Bylund’s experienced team, based in Nevada, will join REDW, working remotely as they have for many years as members of Soaring Bird Solutions.
“REDW has worked alongside sovereign tribal nations for more than four decades, supporting tribal governments and enterprises through advisory services,” Steve Cogan, managing principal of REDW, said in a statement. “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 added that the acquisition “reflects REDW’s long-standing commitment to thoughtful growth while maintaining the independence that has defined the firm for more than 70 years.”
“As REDW continues to grow, it is important that we do so on our own terms,” he said. “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 Bylund, the decision to partner with REDW was guided by shared values and a mutual commitment to strengthening organizations throughout 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 said in a statement. “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.”
She noted that REDW’s decades-long presence serving tribal governments and enterprises, combined with its deep respect for tribal sovereignty and culture, made the partnership particularly meaningful.
“REDW has built trusted relationships across Indian Country by approaching its work with humility, respect, and a deep understanding of the communities it serves,” Bylund said. “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.”
The partnership will also provide Soaring Bird clients with access to REDW’s expanded advisory resources, including audit, tax, cybersecurity, compensation consulting, financial advisory, and wealth management services.
“Our clients have always been at the center of everything we do,” Bylund said. “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.”
Heyns-Bousliman said the partnership represents a meaningful expansion of the firm’s ability to support tribal organizations through culturally aligned expertise.
“We are truly excited to welcome Karla and the entire Soaring Bird team to REDW,” Heyns-Bousliman said in a statement. “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.”
The name Soaring Bird Solutions reflects Bylund’s Potawatomi name, Pneshi Bmashi, meaning “Bird Who Soars,” given to her during a traditional naming ceremony. The name represents perseverance, purpose, and a commitment to meaningful work within tribal communities.
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