- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Economic Development
Here’s the latest Tribal Business News round-up of people on the move in Indian Country, including some key hires, as well as appointments of Native American leaders to federal and corporate posts.
HIRES | PROMOTIONS
Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest promoted Clarice Aceberos to human resources director in Portland, Oregon. Aceberos previously served as the organization's HR business partner and brings over a decade of HR experience across nonprofit, hospitality and construction industries. Prior to joining NARA, she was employee engagement manager at Pence Construction. Aceberos holds a master's degree in human resources management from Golden Gate University, a certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University, and maintains SHRM-CP certification. She is bilingual in English and Tagalog.
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation appointed Sterling Cosper as legislative affairs manager. Cosper, a Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen, will serve as key liaison for CTUIR's state and federal lobbyists and board of trustees, while tracking and analyzing legislation affecting the tribe. He previously served as program manager and membership manager at the Indigenous Journalists Association. At Muscogee (Creek) Nation Communications Department, he managed Mvskoke Media, where he drafted and advocated for press freedom legislation and led coverage of the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court case. His leadership experience includes serving as president of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and on the IJA Board of Directors. Cosper began his new role December 2, 2024.
First American Capital Corporation, a nonprofit organization supporting Native-owned businesses in Wisconsin, hired Kara Gunderson as business education and technical assistance associate. Based in Superior, Gunderson brings 25 years of experience as a business owner and developer. In her role, she will provide one-on-one assistance to Native-owned and underserved entrepreneurs, conduct business training statewide, and assist with loan readiness. Gunderson holds a bachelor's degree in transportation logistics from UW-Superior and is a certified Profit Mastery Facilitator. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking and photography in Northern Wisconsin.
Drummond Woodsum added Naomi Bebo to its Tribal Nations Practice Group. A member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and Ho-Chunk Nation descendant, Bebo brings nine years of experience as in-house counsel for tribes in California and Arizona. She previously managed fee-to-trust projects and implemented a Department of Justice victim support services program in Southern California. A UCLA School of Law graduate with a joint J.D./M.A. in American Indian Studies, Bebo is admitted to practice in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Morongo Tribal Court. Beyond her legal work, she is an accomplished indigenous dancer and beadwork artist whose pieces have been exhibited internationally.
The Catawba Nation Foundation named Kristine Urrutia as its first executive director. A Lumbee Tribe citizen, Urrutia will oversee grant making for Native American community and economic development throughout North Carolina, funded primarily by Two Kings Casino revenues. She previously served as principal and CEO of JAN Collaborative, a consulting firm focused on conservation, public health, and social justice. The foundation's 12-member board, appointed by Governor Roy Cooper, includes Catawba Nation Chief Brian Harris as board chair and focuses on educational advancement, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and economic development for the Catawba Nation, Cleveland County, and Native communities across North Carolina.
First Children's Finance named Heidi Hagel-Braid as president and chief executive officer in Minneapolis. Hagel-Braid, who previously served as chief program officer and interim president and CEO, succeeds founder Jerry Cutts, who retired in September 2024. During her 12-year tenure at FCF, she led initiatives including the Rural Child Care Innovation Program and First Children First Nations Child Care Collaborative. Under her leadership as CPO, the organization expanded to five state offices and nearly tripled its workforce. She played a key role in administering millions in grants and forgivable loans to child care businesses during the pandemic.
Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance hired June James as human resources and operations manager. James previously served as human resources director for Native Village of Eyak in Cordova, Alaska, where she managed HR operations and staff development. Her experience includes roles as Grants and Finance Specialist at Ilanka Community Health Center and Administrative Specialist to the Chief of Police for the City of Cordova. James holds an Associate degree in Sign Language Interpretation and Translation from Camden County College and is certified as a Tribal Human Resources Professional. She began her new role in December 2024.
APPOINTMENTS
Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis appointed three new members to its Leadership Council: Skya Ducheneaux, executive director of Akiptan Inc. and member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe; Mary LaGarde, executive director of Minneapolis American Indian Center and member of White Earth Nation; and Alisha L. Murphy, economist at Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development and member of the Diné/Navajo Nation. The council provides input on research, data tools and policy analysis to advance economic self-determination and prosperity of Native nations and Indigenous communities.
Northrim BanCorp appointed Shauna Hegna to its board of directors. Hegna serves as president of Koniag, one of Alaska's largest for-profit companies and an Alaska Native regional corporation. Her experience includes roles as chief administrative officer at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Vice President of Shareholder Services at Afognak Native Corporation. A lifelong Alaskan recognized as a YWCA Woman of Achievement and among Alaska's Top Forty Under 40, Hegna holds degrees from the University of Alaska and a graduate certificate from Alaska Pacific University in Alaska Native Executive Leadership.
If you have news of new hires, appointments or special recognition, please share them with [email protected].
