OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
JONATHAN HALE
Maternal Clan: Nah Naash Teshzi Tachiini, Paternal Clan: Tó dikozhi, Maternal Grandfather’s Clan: Haana ghani, Paternal Grandfather’s Clan: Kiyah annii. Originally from Oak Springs, Arizona, Navajo Nation, I am currently employed with the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch as a Health & Safety Advisor. As a former member of the 22nd and 23rd Navajo Nation Council, I served as the Chair of the Health, Education and Human Services Committee. Through this position, I ignited a passion and interest in addressing the health disparities that hinder today’s society; I believe there is a need to establish walking/running trails to encourage and provide a safe and adequate means of exercise. This would not address the situation in its entirety but promote a healthier and more active lifestyle for the Navajo Nation. Being on the Navajo Nation Council’s Health Education and Human Services Committee made me realize there is a great need for youth awareness and raising technological accessibility in K-12 education and beyond. I advocate for this and many more important issues as a New Mexico Indian Education Committee member to the State of New Mexico’s Education Department. I want the best for our children and the opportunities that I help provide may help grow our future community leaders. It was with this in mind that after a decade away, I returned to school to complete my college education. It was challenging, but I approached it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and within a few short months, I graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in Animal Science. Now, I’ve utilized my knowledge and degree to start a small business in breeding and raising quarter horses and soon, Corgi dogs. I have always had a passion for equine and canine animals and now with my animal science degree, I can put into practice animal health and nutrition with genetic selection for quality not quantity.
VICE-CHAIR
DELMAR BLACKHORSE
Mr. Blackhorse is a Registered Investment Advisor. Mr. Blackhorse received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Arizona State University and his MBA from Ohio University. Delmar is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
MEMBER
WILLIE TRACY, JR
MEMBER
SARA STEVENS
Sara grew up in Crystal, NM, attended Crystal Boarding School and Navajo Pine High School (class of ’91). She’s a marriage and family therapist (licensed in CA and NM) and provides telehealth to clients in both states. She lives in Farmington, NM with her husband, Mike, and they enjoy traveling, time outdoors and are avid Dodger fans.
MEMBER
MICHAELA SHIRLEY
Michaela Paulette Shirley (Diné), MCRP, identifies with the Water Edge and Bitter Water clans, with her maternal grandfather from the Salt clan and her paternal grandfather from the Coyote Pass clan. She was raised in Kin Dah Lichii in northeastern Arizona on the Navajo reservation. With over ten years of experience in Indigenous planning, community development, community engagement, qualitative research, conference planning, and technical assistance training and workshops, she is now serving as the KSU Tribal TAB Program Manager. Currently, Michaela is pursuing a PhD in the UNM American Studies Department.