The Southern Ute Growth Fund Management Committee (GFMC) is seeking a Tribal Member At-Large Committee Member to assist in the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Growth Fund.
This distinctive position, established by the Tribal Council, serves as a direct representative of the Southern Ute tribal membership. In this role, the Tribal Member At‑Large contributes to key decisions by reviewing and offering recommendations on business plans, organizational updates and major initiatives. The position also participates in GFMC meetings, Tribal Council meetings and work sessions, and Growth Fund general membership meetings, ensuring that the voice and values of the tribal community are reflected in important business discussions.
As a Tribal Member At‑Large, it is an opportunity to represent both the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and its membership by offering recommendations and gaining valuable knowledge through work sessions and meetings on high‑value projects that benefit the Tribe. Past committee members have shared that serving on the GFMC has allowed them to contribute tribal knowledge, perspectives and cultural values to significant business conversations. The position plays a vital part in ensuring that Growth Fund decisions reflect and uphold Ute history, sovereignty and long‑term community priorities.
We had an opportunity to talk with Tasha Rodriguez, the current Tribal Member At‑Large on GFMC. Rodriguez shared the following about her role, “Having the opportunity as a younger tribal member to serve on the GFMC was a great learning experience. It felt a little intimidating at first, and there was a lot of information to take in, but the Growth Fund Management Committee members—and the employees I’ve had the pleasure of working with along the way—were nothing short of amazing. Stepping into this position, I knew very little about the businesses within the Growth Fund, but as a tribal member, I felt it was important to take the opportunity to gain more knowledge about my own Tribe.”
She added that working with Growth Fund leadership and the other entity presidents and managers helped her gain an in‑depth understanding of the Growth Fund’s finances, human capital, cash flow, investment strategies, governance, rights‑of‑way and overall operations. Serving in this position has also allowed her to support the tribal membership by answering questions and voicing concerns about upcoming projects, business plans, job opportunities and the overall performance of the Growth Fund.
Rodriguez offered this advice to tribal members considering the position, “I strongly encourage you to apply. This role opens doors, builds confidence, and expands your knowledge. You’ll help make decisions that support the longevity, sovereignty, and values of future tribal membership.” She also echoed former Tribal Member At‑Large Lindsay Box, who emphasized that the seat is vital to ensuring Growth Fund decisions reflect Ute people and Ute values.
A GFMC role covers many different aspects – some important elements of this role include:
- Being responsible for executing the mission and purpose of the Growth Fund (as approved by Tribal Council Resolution), as updated from time to time, in a manner that protects the interests, resources, and objectives of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
- Attending and actively participating in GFMC meetings, providing financial direction, to include annual budgets of all Growth Fund business enterprises financial investment opportunities; mergers and acquisitions; and due diligence review.
- Monthly attendance requirement, four scheduled meetings including: two Growth Fund Management Committee/GFMC, LLC meetings, and two Tribal Council Update sessions, during regular business hours. Must also attend other Growth Fund/Tribal Council meetings such as study sessions, work sessions and Growth Fund general membership meetings as scheduled.
Visit the Careers Portal – Southern Ute Growth Fund, Tribal Members Only link to review the qualifications and apply online at www.sugf.com/careers/ To be considered for this position you must be an enrolled Tribal Member. For any specific questions related to this role, please reach out to Human Resources.
We would like to thank Tasha Rodriguez for her valuable insight.