As the Tribe’s current Chairman, I am honored to lead our Tribe in its endeavors, focusing on the holistic development of our community and the preservation of our cultural heritage. In this role, I oversee key initiatives and strategic decisions that shape the future of the Tribe, ensuring that we continue to thrive and progress while staying true to our values and traditions. — Prior to my appointment as Chairman, I served as the Tribal Council Treasurer, a role that allowed me to oversee the financial stewardship of the Tribe. I also previously served as Vice-Chair on the Tribal Gaming Commission, bringing a nuanced understanding of the tribal gaming landscape to my roles. Presently, in my role as Planning Director, I specialize in building relationships with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including state, tribal, federal, and local government officials and entities. My responsibilities include overseeing the development and execution of the tribal strategic plan, working closely with our community development coordinator to develop the Tribe’s community development and relocation plans, in addition to collaborating with the Tribe’s grant writer to ensure the successful execution of grant applications. I also work to actively incorporate cutting-edge technological solutions into our planning processes to enhance efficiency and impact. My educational background includes an Associate’s Degree in Education from Grays Harbor College, a Certificate of Specialization in Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School Online, a Certificate in Land Management & Planning from the United Tribes Technical College, a Certificate in Grants Management from Falmouth Institute, and a Master’s Certification in Tribal Gaming through the National Indian Gaming Association. I have spoken at many conferences, from ATNI to NCAI. I have spoken at educational institutions and at different tribal events. I aim to spread the word of the rapid erosion that Shoalwater Bay is facing (some of the worst erosion on the West coast). I also speak on data driven studies that have been done that show how coastal cities are very much at risk from climate change and aim to create more awareness about being prepared for a potential climate driven disaster.