- Details
- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Economic Development
Indian Country is buzzing with leadership changes this month as organizations across the Native American landscape welcome new talent and recognize exceptional contributions.
From government relations and housing advocacy to casino management and academic leadership, these appointments represent the breadth of expertise shaping tribal futures. Among the highlights: Fort Lewis College makes history with its first Native American president, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center honors both established and emerging leaders preserving cultural heritage.
HIRES + PROMOTIONS
Native American Contractors Association has appointed Josh Jackson as legislative director to lead advocacy efforts protecting and promoting Native federal contracting. Jackson, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, previously served as a policy advisor at the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, where he worked on implementing $30 billion in relief funds to Tribal governments. His experience includes roles as a consultant for Cherokee Nation Businesses, congressional relations manager at the National Indian Health Board, and senior policy advisor for Native American Affairs in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jackson holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from Oklahoma State University.
The National American Indian Housing Council has appointed Simone Auger as director of operations. Auger, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, brings over 20 years of experience in public service and the nonprofit sector. She previously served as a legislative staffer for two members of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives, working with tribal Nations and federal agencies on issues including tribal affairs and housing. Earlier in her career, she spent over 10 years as a utility program professional implementing energy efficiency programs for tribal communities. Auger serves on the board of directors of Competency and Credentialing Institute and on her tribe's Tribal Employment Rights Office commission. She holds a master's degree from University of Oregon and certificates from University of Arizona's Native Nation's Institute and Portland State University.
Cayuse Native Solutions has appointed Kansas Begaye as director of business development and sales. Begaye, a member of the Diné Nation (Navajo), will collaborate with Native Nations and tribal entities to provide technology-focused services. She holds a bachelor's degree in Native American Studies from the University of New Mexico with over a decade of experience in nonprofit work and tribal relations. A former Miss Indian World (2013-2014) and Native American Music Award winner, Begaye has specialized in cultural awareness training for 15 years. Her work includes Native youth advocacy, developing programs addressing social justice and health equity, and influencing legislative efforts for healthcare access in tribal communities.
Center for Native American Youth has appointed Tracy Canard Goodluck as executive director. Goodluck brings over 20 years of experience advocating for Tribal communities in education, Indian law and policy. She previously served as senior advisor to the assistant secretary for Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, where she led development of the 10-Year National Plan on Native Language Revitalization. Her background includes roles as deputy director of the Secretary's Indian Water Rights Office, policy advisor at the White House Domestic Policy Council, and co-founder of the Native American Community Academy. Goodluck holds a juris doctor with a Certificate in Federal Indian Law from the University of New Mexico, an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, a master's in Teaching from the University of Washington, and an A.B. in Sociology and Native American Studies from Dartmouth College.
Nez Perce Tribe has appointed Joseph Y. Oatman as manager of the Department of Fisheries Resources Management. Oatman, an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe, previously served as the department's deputy manager and director of the Harvest Division since 2007. He succeeds Dave Johnson, who is retiring after more than 20 years as manager and nearly 40 years with the Tribe. The department, one of the largest tribal fisheries programs in the U.S., employs nearly 200 people with an annual budget exceeding $30 million.
Akima has appointed Michael Dallara as general manager of subsidiaries Qivliq Federal Group and Akima Global Technology. Dallara brings over 20 years of experience in technology solutions management, previously serving as chief operating officer for Evoke Consulting. His career includes executive positions at Cyber Defense Technologies, Sevatec, Engility's Federal Civilian Division, L-3 Communications and Harris Corporation. Akima, a subsidiary of NANA, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, provides federal government solutions with 10,000 employees globally.
Fort Lewis College has appointed Heather J. Shotton as president, marking a historic milestone as the first Native American to hold the position. Shotton, an enrolled citizen of the Wichita & Affiliated Tribes and descendant of the Kiowa and Cheyenne Tribes, has served as vice president of diversity affairs and acting dean of student engagement at FLC. She previously chaired the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Oklahoma and served as board president of the National Indian Education Association. Shotton holds three degrees from the University of Oklahoma, including a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. She will officially assume the presidency on July 1, 2025, implementing the college's 2025-30 Strategic Plan.
Spirit Lake Nation has appointed Vicki Alberts as public relations specialist. Alberts, who was raised on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and whose father is a member of the Spirit Lake Tribe, brings extensive experience to the role. She previously served as tribal liaison for the North & South Dakota Perinatal Quality Collaborative Initiative and as a law clerk at Harbott, Knutson, Larson & Holten, PLLP. Alberts holds a doctor of law degree from the University of North Dakota, a master's degree in English from National University, and a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College.
Emerald Queen Casino has named Yale Rowe as chief executive officer and Peter Chu as chief operating officer to lead its Fife and Tacoma locations. Rowe, who assumed the CEO role in November, previously managed the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas before becoming president of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe. Chu's career began with Hyatt International Hotels in Asia before working with various hotel corporations across the United States. His gaming industry experience includes positions with Pinnacle Entertainment Inc., where he helped develop Vietnam's first integrated casino resort, and Boyd Gaming Corporation. The Emerald Queen Casino is owned by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
APPOINTMENTS
Eastern Shawnee Companies has appointed Josh Johnston and Chris Tayrien to its Board of Directors. Both are enrolled members of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. Johnston, a private banker at MidFirst Bank in Tulsa, Okla., specializes in financial solutions for high-net-worth clients and brings experience in commercial real estate and custom home financing. He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas and an MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Tayrien brings 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, having scaled multiple companies to over $10 million in revenue. He currently leads TanTyTum Contractors, which has grown 700% in three years working with government entities. They join board members Audrey Gardner, Robert Bluejacket, and Skylar Wallace, all enrolled tribal members.
Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution has appointed Native CDFI Network CEO Pete Upton to its Board of Directors during its Annual Shareholders Meeting on March 27, 2025. Upton, an enrolled member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, previously served on Clearinghouse CDFI's Native American Advisory Board. In his new role, Upton will work to expand partnerships and support policy initiatives that increase financing in Indian Country. Clearinghouse CDFI President and CEO Doug Bystry praised Upton's experience and perspective, noting the organization's excitement about working more closely with the Native CDFI Network. The appointment strengthens both organizations' shared commitment to addressing needs in Indian Country while advancing NCN's vision to expand and strengthen Native CDFIs nationally.
The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition has appointed Rory Wheeler to its Board of Directors. Wheeler is a citizen of the Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan, and a descendant of multiple tribal nations. His experience includes service as a White House Tribal Nations Youth Ambassador under President Obama, work with the offices of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and leadership roles with the National Congress of American Indians Youth Commission. Wheeler has advocated for tribes on issues including public health, self-governance, and language preservation. He holds a bachelor's degree from Niagara University and is pursuing a J.D. at Michigan State University College of Law specializing in Indigenous law.
KUDOS | ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
Alaska Native Heritage Center presented its 2025 Community Recognition Awards to Roy Huhndorf (left) and high school student Miley Amisiimaq Kakaruk (right) during its Spring Brunch celebration. (Courtesy photos)
Alaska Native Heritage Center has presented its 2025 Community Recognition Awards to Roy Huhndorf and Miley Amisiimaq Kakaruk during its Spring Brunch celebration. Huhndorf (Yup'ik), former CIRI president and CEO, received the Paul Tiulana Award honoring Elders whose efforts advance Alaska Native culture. During his leadership from 1972 to 1998, he negotiated the historic Cook Inlet Land Exchange and grew CIRI's assets from $32 million to $600 million. Kakaruk (Inupiaq), a West Anchorage High School junior, received the Autumn Apok Ridley Award recognizing youth cultural leadership. As Culture Club president, she implemented land acknowledgments at school events and serves as Southcentral regional representative on the First Alaskans Institute Elders and Youth Committee.
If you have news of new hires, appointments or special recognition, please share them with [email protected].
