LAS VEGAS (March 12, 2025) – The Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) today announced the election of new board member Jesse Downs, Chief Operating Officer of aLocal Solutions, and an enrolled citizen of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe in Washington state.
“Jesse’s extensive background in economic development, market research, and strategic planning will contribute invaluably to TLC’s mission,” said President Justin Barrett. “We’re fortunate that her business development background includes managing multi-billion-dollar projects in international real estate, private equity investments, and emerging markets, particularly in the Middle East.”
Jesse currently serves on the Economic Development Council for Pacific County in Washington state, and on the Board of North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), a national nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing Native foodways and addressing economic and health disparities in Native communities.
Previously, Jesse was the Chief Operating Officer of Willapa Bay Enterprises, the Section 17 Tribal Enterprise of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe, where her business expansion efforts lead to significantly increased profits. As the Tribe’s Administrator, Jesse led the team that secured substantial grant funding to relocate their village. She also led the emergency operations team and the administration through the COVID pandemic.
Jesse holds an MPA in Tribal Governance from Evergreen State College, an MA in Sociology from the American University of Beirut, and a BA in Economics from Harvard University.
Jesse was warmly welcomed by TLC board members Justin Barrett (Eastern Shawnee), Andrew “Dru” Alejandre (Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians), James Silva (Morongo Band of Mission Indians), Mauricia Chavarria (Santa Clara Pueblo), Steven Orihuela (Bishop Paiute Tribe), Thomas Lozano (Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe of Enterprise Rancheria), Marcenella “Marcy” LaFerr (Kiowa Tribe), and Presley “Prez” Redeye (Seneca Nation).
About the Tribal Leadership Council
Formed in 2023, the Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) is a board-governed not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that proudly supports Tribal leaders and executives with continuing education and provides tools to better their organizations. The primary focus of the TLC is empowering leadership and promoting economic growth and prosperity for Tribal communities. Learn more here: www.TribalLeadershipCouncil.com Media Contact: [email protected]