Brian Barlow is from Tahlequah, Oklahoma, a 2012 graduate of Tahlequah High School, and a 2016 graduate of George Washington University in Washington, DC. Brian is Cherokee.

Brian is passionate about helping his community. Growing up in Tahlequah, Brian watched many of his peers, friends, and family members face challenges and overcome. Brian has always enjoyed helping others make their way along their own journey. For Brian there is nothing like watching someone he cares about set a goal and work to achieve it. Brian knows there are countless talented young people in communities everywhere; but opportunities to nurture, grow, and foster those skills are often few and far between. Brian plans to spend his life helping young people see their value, know their strengths, hone their skills, learn what they want to learn, and achieve their goals and aspirations. 

After graduating from college, Brian was hired to join the hard working and talented team in the Native American Support Center at Northeastern State University (NSU). Within his position, Brian was able to pick up the legacy of mentors who had served before him, and worked daily to assist Native students at NSU to identify passions and accomplish their goals. While employed at NSU, Brian also received the distinct privilege to serve as a staff adviser for more than one Student Organization. Brian will always treasure the time he was able to spend working with Student leaders at NSU.

Brian is also a passionate advocate for the natural environment. Within Cherokee County alone, the operation of multiple industry related activities negatively impacts the health and integrity of our shared environment. Brian firmly believes it is our responsibility to protect and preserve all our relatives, including the rivers, creeks, and streams which nurture and weave together the country we all share. Seven generations removed from Forced Removal (1838) within his own family, Brian views it as among his own personal responsibilities to continue to do what he can to help protect and preserve the lands for which so many Cherokee people have sacrificed.

Brian is a collaborator, an innovator, and a good friend. Brian works hard to help those around him and is glad to be a part of the 4Next7 Team.