LAWTON, Okla. (January 6, 2025) – The Tribal Leadership Council (TLC) is pleased to announce new members on its 2025-2026 Board of Directors.
“We are excited to add three new directors to the board, each with unique experience and perspectives that will help guide the organization forward,” said TLC President Justin Barrett. “TLC has experienced significant growth in 2024 which has allowed us to launch new programs.”
The new members serving as Class II directors are Presley “Prez” Redeye (Seneca Nations of Indians), Marcenella “Marcy” LaFerr (Kiowa Tribe), and Thomas Lozano (Enterprise Rancheria).
The TLC board voted in December 2024 to add Redeye, LaFerr and Lozano. Redeye recently completed two terms on the Council for the Seneca Nation of Indians and 9 terms as the Fire Chief. LaFerr is on her second term on the Kiowa Casinos Operations Authority Board of Directors where she serves as the Vice Chairwoman. Professionally LaFerr is the Support and Team Engagement Administrator for the Cancer Center Support Grant Program at the Office of Cancer Research at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. Lozano has served on the Enterprise Rancheria Tribal Council for 20 years; he has served as the Treasurer for the Tribe for the last 10 years. He recently completed his term as the Chair of the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC).
Class I Directors are Justin Barrett (Eastern Shawnee Tribe), Andrew “Dru” Alejandre (Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians), James Siva (Morongo Band of Mission Indians), Mauricia Chavarria (Santa Clara Pueblo), and Steven Oriheula (Bishop Paiute Tribe).
Chavarria and Orihuela joined the Board of Directors in August 2024. Chavarria earned her MBA at New Mexico State University. Chavarria is the Accounting Operations Manager for the Incorporated County of Los Alamos in Los Alamos, NM. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Santa Clara Pueblo Utility Authority and the Santa Clara Development Corporation. Orihuela recently started his second term on the Bishop Paiute Tribal Council where he serves as the Chairman, previously he served as the Secretary/Treasurer. He also serves as the Chairman of the Owens Calley Indian Water Commission.
TLC was formed by Barrett, Alejandre, and Siva in October 2023. Barrett, Alejandre, and Siva were all awarded the Native American 40 Under 40 Award by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development in 2024. Barrett recently completed a term as the Treasurer for the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, previously he worked in the gaming industry in various capacities. Barrett has also been involved in several organizations including the Indian Gaming Association, AISES, Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium, and the 7G Foundation. Alejandre served 10 years on the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Tribal Council, 8 of which he served as the Chairman. Alejandre is the Chairman of the Tepa Companies Board of Directors. Siva is the Vice Chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and is on his fifth term. Siva also serves as the Chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.
TLC’s bylaws divide directors into Class I and Class II seats. The Class I terms will expire in 2028, while the Class II terms will expire in 2026. The organization’s officers will continue to serve in their capacity until the 2026 elections.
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: Justin Barrett at [email protected]