- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Economic Development
Here’s our monthly round-up of people on the move in Indian Country, including a key appointment at the Treasury, new hires at tribal enterprises and Native-serving nonprofits, and new roles for executives at tribal enterprises.
APPOINTMENTS
President Joe Biden has appointed Janie Hipp (Chickasaw) to the Community Development Advisory Board within the U.S. Department of Treasury. The board advises the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, which has awarded over $5.2 billion to support underserved communities. Hipp is the president and CEO of Native Agriculture Financial Services, focusing on tribal economic development. Previously, she served as General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture, the first enrolled tribal citizen in that role. Hipp’s extensive background includes leading the Native American Agriculture Fund and advising the USDA. She holds a B.A. in social work from the University of Oklahoma, a J.D. from Oklahoma City University, and an LLM in agricultural law from the University of Arkansas.
HIRES
NAFOA, formerly the Native American Finance Officers Association, has appointed Cory M. Blankenship (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) as its new Executive Director, effective September 30, 2024. Blankenship brings over 17 years of experience in tribal finance, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors to the role. He previously served as Community Investment Officer at the Dogwood Health Trust and as Secretary of the Treasury for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Blankenship holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University, a Master of Public Affairs from Western Carolina University, and a Master of Jurisprudence in Federal Indian Law from the University of Tulsa College of Law. His appointment follows Susan Masten's interim leadership and comes as NAFOA continues to grow its membership and influence.
The Native CDFI Network appointed Pamela Boivin as the new CCIA Program Manager for its Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) grant program, aimed at advancing clean energy initiatives in Indian Country. Boivin, a member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, joins NCN after a 17-year tenure at Woodland Financial Partners Inc., a Native CDFI in Keshena, Wisconsin, where she served as executive director and loan officer. Boivin is also the chairwoman of the Wisconsin Indigenous Economic Development Corporation and was recently appointed to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation board by Governor Tony Evers.
Cayuse Holdings announced it appointed Randall (Randy) Willis as Chief Executive Officer. Willis, a member of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) nation, previously served as Executive Managing Director of Cayuse Government Operations, where he led significant revenue growth. With over 40 years in global business and consulting, Willis has been instrumental in developing near-shore Indigenous technology delivery centers and founding Cayuse Technologies, LLC.
The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority appointed Stephen Thayer as the general manager of Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, effective September 16. Thayer brings extensive experience in the hospitality and gaming industry, having most recently served as general manager of Strat Hotel Casino & Tower, where he led property enhancements and service culture improvements. Prior to that, he held leadership roles with Caesars Entertainment in both Atlantic City and Las Vegas. In his new role, Thayer will oversee all operations at Palms Casino Resort, the first Las Vegas resort fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Aleut has appointed Ethan Tyler as Director of Government Affairs. Tyler brings extensive experience in public and private sector leadership, including over five years with Cook Inlet Region, Inc., where he worked in corporate and external affairs. He also served as the Director of State Parks and Outdoor Recreation for the State of Alaska. In his new role, Tyler will develop legislative strategies, manage public messaging, and build relationships with government entities and private partners, ensuring that Aleut’s interests and those of its shareholders are well-represented.
PROMOTIONS
Cayuse Holdings said Jonas Moses-Conner has been named executive managing director of Cayuse Government Operations. He retains his role as managing director of Cayuse Technologies and brings extensive experience from Accenture and Cayuse, holding degrees from the University of Oregon and Gonzaga University.
Aleut has promoted Bethany Monfore to Director of Growth and Strategy. Monfore, who joined Aleut in 2020, has previously served as Growth & Strategy Manager and Small Business & 8(a) Compliance Manager. She also worked as a legal and compliance analyst at Aleut Federal, the ANC's federal contracting arm. In her new role, Monfore will report to the Chief Operating Officer, Mandy Hawes, and lead Aleut’s growth initiatives, focusing on collaboration, corporate acquisition, and subsidiary growth. Monfore holds a bachelor of business administration from the University of Alaska Southeast and an associate degree in paralegal studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
If you have news of new hires, appointments or special recognition, please share them with [email protected].
