- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Economic Development
Here’s the latest round-up of people on the move in Indian Country, including some key hires and promotions, as well as appointments of Native American leaders to state and nonprofit posts.
HIRES + PROMOTIONS
Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV) has appointed Jaycob Robinson as Vice President of Business and Economic Development and promoted Dustin Goslin to Chief Talent Officer. Goslin, who has been with MLCV for over 11 years, will focus on innovation, career development, and building future business leaders. Robinson, previously Chief Development Officer at Red Lake, Inc., will drive community-driven workforce projects, revitalize MLCV-owned assets, and enhance funding for the Mille Lacs tribal economy. Both bring extensive experience in tribal business and economic development to their new roles.
The U.S. Department of the Interior has selected Bryan Mercier as the next Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), effective upon the retirement of current Director Darryl LaCounte later this year. Mercier, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, has served as Director of the BIA Northwest Regional Office since 2018. With 20 years of public service experience, including roles at the U.S. Forest Service, Department of the Treasury, and Bonneville Power Administration, Mercier brings a wealth of federal leadership to his new role.
The Native CDFI Network hired Jodi Fischer (Wyandotte Tribe of Oklahoma) as the new regional coordinator for its Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) program. In this role, Fischer will support regional initiatives and work with Native CDFIs and partners to advance clean energy investments in Native communities. With nearly a decade of experience in education, community development, and the CDFI industry, Fischer previously led education and lending at a Wisconsin Native CDFI. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Studies from Western Governors University and is certified in HUD housing counseling, grant writing, and business leadership.
APPOINTMENTS
Poarch Creek Indians announced the appointment of Shelly Chavira to Governor Kay Ivey’s newly established Alabama Workforce Board. Chavira has worked for the Tribe since 2009, beginning as a medical assistant in the Health Department before transitioning to the Education Department in 2019. In 2022, she became the coordinator of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grant. Her work has focused on career guidance and removing employment barriers for Tribal citizens. Chavira also serves on the Southwest Alabama Partnership for Training and Employment (SWAPTE) Board and its Youth Grants subcommittee.
The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) has appointed Stacy Leeds as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Leeds, a renowned expert in agricultural law and economic development, currently serves as Dean at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. As the first Indigenous woman to become a law school dean in the U.S., Leeds co-founded the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative. Her leadership will guide NAAF in supporting Native farmers and ranchers through grantmaking to Tribes, nonprofits, and educational institutions.
If you have news of new hires, appointments or special recognition, please share them with [email protected].
