Greetings and Happy Holidays, 

 

I want to express my overwhelming appreciation to the Directors of the Permanent Fund (PF) for the “surprise” farewell celebration that was held in my honor on Nov. 15. It certainly was a surprise, and I am grateful and honored, so thank you again, to the Directors of the Permanent Fund. I was released early by Chairman Baker to my appointed role as the Executive Officer, which would normally have ended on December 4, 2023. 

It was a humbling experience to hear the parting words expressed by the Directors, staff and membership regarding the mentorship and support that I have provided to the Directors and staff of the Permanent Fund organization. In my role as the Executive Officer, I drew from my many years of knowledge, experience and dedication in order to empower the Directors and staff to make decisions to best serve the membership and for the Directors to use their authority as delegated to them. 

In my parting from the Permanent Fund administration, this does not mean progress or service stops, but must continue to be progressively managed by those who carry out their responsibilities. It is my hope that my mentorship and leadership of the PF staff makes the service to the membership efficient, competent and professional by the Permanent Fund staff to continue the task of service to the membership. 

My reasons to run for the seat of the Chairman was not an easy decision and I did not take it lightly, but today, I find that my decision is of more importance now for the future of our Tribe. After watching and witnessing how politics are getting played and used by those who seek to self-serve and manipulate decisions that are actively unchecked and out of balance, of which I had no control over, I’m sure the membership may also have these same concerns. 

Accountability and responsibility are two virtues that every leader should strive to have and should be engrained in servicing the membership, it should be the Tribe’s mantra. I have witnessed it in some leaders, and I have not witnessed it in other leaders, which is very concerning. 

I humbly ask for your vote of confidence on Friday, Dec.15. I am hosting a “Town Hall” meeting on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 from 11a.m. to 1p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Facility and lunch will be provided. I invite the membership to discuss the visions I have presented, questions you may have, address any concerns and give you a chance to voice your opinion. 

See you there to talk and have forward-thinking conversations.