ABOUT US

Helping Organizations Build Cultures Rooted In Trust, Growth, And Accountability.

Apela Strategic Solutions is a Native American and woman-owned HR consulting and leadership development firm serving organizations across Oklahoma. Founded by Tena Jolley after a 25-year career in HR for the Chickasaw Nation, Apela was built as a specialized tribal HR consultancy firm but has broadened into a comprehensive HR and development agency for all types of businesses and organizations. Our focus has widened to organizational health, leadership development, culture transformation, and strategic HR solutions.

We partner with small to mid-sized businesses, mission-aligned organizations, and leaders who are facing challenges such as compliance, low team morale, growth barriers, and ineffective leadership practices. With deep institutional knowledge and a values-based approach, we blend practical HR support with long-term strategies to help leaders create healthier and more resilient workplaces.

Our name, Apela, is inspired by the Choctaw word meaning “to help,” and it has grounded us from the beginning. It reflects both our heritage and our purpose: to support clients with stewardship, accountability, and diligence.

Our Mission Statement

Driven by data-informed HR solutions and values-based coaching, we create healthy workplaces where trust, compassion, and practical strategies fuel organizational growth.

Our Values

  • Stewardship

    We treat your organization’s people, resources, and culture with care and respect, as if they were our own.

  • Accountability

    We model responsibility, reliability, and ownership, and help leaders create cultures where these thrive.

  • Diligence

    We dig into the details, follow through on commitments, and make sure nothing important is overlooked.

Our Team

  • Tena Jolley

    FOUNDER & CEO

    Tena Jolley is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Apela Strategic Solutions, partnering with small to mid-sized businesses to strengthen leadership effectiveness through executive coaching, leadership development, and strategic Human Resources support. She is Native American and a citizen of the Choctaw Tribe.

    Tena holds a master’s degree in both Human Resources Administration and Public Health with a focus on Healthcare Administration and Policy. She spent 25 years with the Chickasaw Nation, primarily in benefits and human resources, gaining extensive experience across core HR functions, including employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, policy development, compliance, and organizational development.

    With more than 30 years of professional experience, Tena coaches executives and emerging leaders at all levels. She prioritizes helping them build self-awareness, strengthen communication, give and receive feedback effectively, and lead with accountability and a servant heart. Her executive coaching is refined by deep HR expertise, allowing her to align leadership behaviors with sound people practices, legal compliance, and organizational strategy.

    Tena is known for her practical, relationship-centered approach. Her ability to translate complex HR and leadership challenges into clear, actionable solutions that support healthy workplace cultures and sustainable business growth sets her apart.

  • Jennifer Rogers

    CLIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR

    Jennifer Rogers is the Client Services Director at Apela Strategic Solutions. She works closely with Tena to make sure our clients get exactly what they need from us. Having grown up in Oklahoma, she is a mother and grandmother to Chickasaw and Choctaw citizens. These tribal cultures are woven into her identity, and she prioritizes carrying forward the ancestors’ values.

    Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources from East Central University. With over 20 years of experience in the human resources and employee benefits field, much of her career has been dedicated to serving within tribal government. This work has given her a unique perspective on the importance of community, cultural integrity, and the role of leadership in creating spaces where people feel valued and supported.

    For Jennifer, at the heart of everything is the people and the connection. Known for her fully-committed presence during every interaction, she loves listening to stories, sharing laughter, and offering encouragement. Her passion is to empower and uplift those around her, witnessing the magical moment of joy and confidence that shines in someone’s eyes when they achieve their goals. That spark—what she calls “star shine”— is what fuels Jennifer, and it’s the reason she loves what she does.

Let's Build a Healthier Workplace Together