New appointments at the Institute of American Indian Arts, California Endowment, Chenega Corp. and tribal gaming enterprises lead November’s People on the Move. This month’s roundup also includes leadership changes at the Institute of American Indian Arts, Partnership With Native Americans and the Native American Fish & Wildlife Society.
Honorees include entrepreneurs recognized by Pow Wow Pitch and Indigenous Business Group, tourism professionals celebrated by the American Indigenous Tourism Association, and educators and health care leaders recognized for community service.
HIRES + PROMOTIONS
The Fort Sill Chiricahua Warm Springs Apache Economic Development Authority named James Dempsey chief operations officer. Dempsey, a tribal member, previously served as slots director at Apache Casino Hotel in Lawton, Okla. He joined the casino in 2012 as a bench technician after completing technical school programs in electronics and mechatronics. He advanced to slot technician supervisor in 2017, operations manager in 2018 and slots director in 2019. The authority oversees business operations and development initiatives supporting the Fort Sill Apache Tribe’s economic growth.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed Tara Fouch-Moore of Mariposa to the Native American Heritage Commission, subject to Senate confirmation. Fouch-Moore has served as director of landscape stewardship at the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation since 2022, following two years as outreach coordinator. She is also secretary of the nation’s Tribal Council and a Steering Committee member. Previously, she managed conference services and catering sales at AC Hotel by Marriott. She holds a bachelor’s degree in language studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
The California Endowment named Valerie Red-Horse Mohl managing director of investments. She brings more than three decades of experience in finance, investment strategy and social impact. Most recently, she served as deputy chief investment officer for responsible investing at the New York City Comptroller’s Bureau of Asset Management. Previously, she was chief financial officer of the East Bay Community Foundation and founded Red-Horse Financial Group, an investment bank serving tribal nations. She also teaches entrepreneurship at Stanford University and serves as national board chair of Boys & Girls Clubs–Native Services.
The Institute of American Indian Arts named Mary Deleary (Chippewas of the Thames First Nation) director of its Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe, N.M., effective Oct. 19. Deleary previously directed IAIA’s Research Center for Contemporary Native Arts, overseeing artist residencies, fellowships and initiatives involving archives and collections. She will lead the museum’s exhibitions, collections, programs and operations and serve on the president’s cabinet. A former museum student intern, Deleary holds a bachelor’s degree in museum studies from IAIA and a doctorate in Native American art history from the University of Oklahoma.
Seneca Resorts & Casinos named Wade Howk chief financial officer, overseeing financial and operational accounting for its properties operated on behalf of the Seneca Nation of Indians. Howk brings 30 years of national and international experience, most recently as chief operating officer at Inspire Entertainment Resort in South Korea. He previously served as CFO at Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati and held executive roles at Penn Entertainment and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. A certified public accountant, Howk holds degrees in management and accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi and an MBA from William Carey University.
Blue Lake Casino Hotel hired Michelle Gomes as manager of Blue Lake Fuel & Fun, the Blue Lake Rancheria’s gas station and convenience store in Northern California. Gomes brings more than 20 years of retail operations experience, including team leadership, inventory control and sales growth. Her background spans food and beverage, corporate retail, sporting goods and outdoor retail. She and her family have lived in Humboldt County for 10 years, following time in Florida, Las Vegas and Guam.
Oweesta Corp. hired Sacha Adorno as communications director and Madonna Dolphus as communications officer. Adorno brings more than 20 years of communications experience, including over a decade advising Opportunity Finance Network on communications strategy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Barnard College. Dolphus, an enrolled Otoe-Missouria tribal member, has more than 10 years of experience in communications, branding and visual storytelling, including work with Native organizations and health initiatives. She holds a master’s degree in strategic communication and digital strategy from the University of Oklahoma.
Native Transformer Solutions hired Brittney Lawes as an assistant project manager. Lawes most recently worked in transformer manufacturing at Virginia Transformer. Her experience includes coordinating communication among customers, engineers, project teams and company leadership. In announcing the hire, the company cited her background in organization, problem-solving, learning new systems and building working relationships. Native Transformer Solutions is a Native American-owned company serving utility and industrial customers nationwide. The appointment adds to its team supporting projects for those customers.
APPOINTMENTS
The U.S. Department of the Treasury appointed Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Chairman Marshall Pierite to its seven-member Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee, according to a release by the tribe. A Marine Corps veteran, Pierite has more than 30 years of experience in tribal governance, economic development and public service, including budgeting, infrastructure development and tax policy. He previously served on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s inaugural Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee. The Native American Finance Officers Association named him its 2022 Tribal Leader of the Year.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury also appointed Chuck Totemoff, chairman of the Native Village of Chenega Tribal Council and chairman, president and CEO of Chenega Corp., to its Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee, according to a LinkedIn post. The committee advises on federal tax and financial policies affecting tribal governments, enterprises and Native communities. Totemoff has served on Chenega’s corporate board since 1983 and Tribal Council since 1984, leading the Alaska Native corporation since 1988. Raised in Chenega, he helped reestablish the village on Evans Island after its destruction in the 1964 Alaska earthquake.
The Native American Fish & Wildlife Society named Kalela Reuben a Pacific regional director, serving as the region’s conservation law enforcement officer representative. Reuben, an enrolled Nez Perce tribal member, is a fish and wildlife enforcement officer with the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Her priorities include strengthening tribal conservation programs, expanding training opportunities and supporting future conservation leaders. Daniella Santana was reelected Pacific regional director, and Valerie Tafoya was elected alternate Pacific regional director. Tafoya serves as conservation planner for the Nez Perce Tribe Wildlife Division.
Partnership With Native Americans hired Matt Jacob as director of communications. Jacob brings more than 20 years of experience in brand storytelling, public affairs and crisis communications. He began his career at The Dallas Morning News and has worked across nonprofit, higher education, health care, consumer and technology industries. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science. He holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
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FEATURED RECOGNITION
[Photo: Anthony Buttice, sous chef | courtesy Coeur d’Alene Casino]
Coeur d’Alene Casino chef wins culinary competition benefiting hospitality workers
Anthony Buttice, executive sous chef at the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s casino resort, won two competitions at CDAide’s Chef Challenge Oct. 14 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The event raised nearly $75,000 for the nonprofit’s Care program, which helps hospitality and restaurant workers facing financial crises pay for housing, medical care and transportation.
Buttice earned Best Appetizer honors for sesame-seared tuna with a shallot ponzu reduction and red ginger pearls. He also won a three-round cooking competition that challenged chefs to prepare scrambled eggs, create a meal using ground chicken, cheese crackers and barbecue sauce, and make an entree incorporating an audience-selected mystery ingredient. Buttice works at Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley, Idaho.
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HONORS & RECOGNITION
The National Indian Education Association named retired Cherokee Nation employee Carolyn Allen its 2026 Elder of the Year. Allen has four decades of experience in education and community service, including teaching special education at Tahlequah Public Schools. She served the tribe for 13 years, including eight as an election commissioner, before working as a Johnson O’Malley program manager and senior adviser in the Education Services Department. She remains active in the Hulbert Cherokee Community Organization. The Oklahoma Council of Indian Education also named Allen its 2026 Elder of the Year.
Pow Wow Pitch awarded Danielle Boyer, founder and CEO of The STEAM Connection, its $25,000 grand prize at the competition’s Oct. 21 finale. Boyer, an Anishinaabe entrepreneur and citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, competed against 17 Indigenous entrepreneurs from the United States and Canada. Her Troy, Mich.-based company develops robotics and technology education resources for Indigenous youth, including wearable SkoBots that incorporate Indigenous knowledge and language learning. According to Pow Wow Pitch, Boyer plans to expand manufacturing capacity to reach more Indigenous communities.
Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System announced that Chief Dental Officer Rex Monif received the Caring Kind Award for patient care, leadership and community service. Monif leads the system’s dental clinic in Winnebago, Neb., providing care and mentoring colleagues. His community involvement includes helping organize the system’s Angel Tree and Easter Egg Hunt, which together welcome more than 500 community members annually. Chief of Public Health Mona Zuffante nominated Monif, citing his work with patients and staff, community involvement and military service.
The Alaska Chamber honored Huna Totem Corp. President and CEO Russell Dick with its 2026 North Star Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations for leadership and contributions to Alaska and its people. According to Huna Totem, Dick was recognized for his work in economic development, cultural stewardship and creating opportunities for Alaska Native shareholders and communities. As president and CEO, he leads the corporation, whose announcement highlighted his contributions to shareholders and the communities it serves.
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