PRESIDENT Gloria Burns

I have been honored to be a part of Tribal Council for the last two years, it has been rewarding and as all of us can recognize and acknowledge also frustrating at times. I have sought feedback from several of you; those who are struggling or have family and friends who are struggling, this has been and is my compass, serving as a voice for our community the best way possible.

To be an elected official carries great honor and heavy responsibilities; I have the time, commitment, dedication and passion to listen and to work hard for all of you and our future. I believe in all who serve staying grounded in remembering that we are all one; no one better or worse than each other. I fight hard for consistency and fairness in how all Tribal Citizens seeking healthcare, using our programs and services are treated. I ask each of you to get in touch with me to discuss your thoughts and concerns. I would be greatly honored to use my knowledge and experience and what I learn from you, into this next election term.

A few key areas of focus for this next term; Health Care that is respectful with the highest quality of care, work to return our children and keep them within our tribe, and provide more traditional activities to heal and help our community to stay healthy.

Email: gburns@council.kictribe.org

VICE PRESIDENT Randy Williams

I am the current President of the Landless of Ketchikan and I am a member of the ANB & ANS Camp 14 I’ve been on the Tribal council and I have been on several business, housing, social services and education committees. I was born in Ketchikan and was a commercial fisherman in Ketchikan and Klawock. I am now currently a traditional (subsistence) fisherman. I worked for Ketchikan Indian Community and Tlingit & Haida Central Council providing service to communities in Southeast Alaska as well as our Tribal Members. While I worked for KIC, my position was Director of Higher Education and ‘638’ contracts.

I ran the Housing program, Higher Education and Adult Vocational Training programs and oversaw Social Services, Indian Child Welfare and General Assistance for KIC. I have been a Tribal Administrator for Tribal programs and CEO of a Tribal Corporation and helped Tribes with their economic business development. I have helped Tribes become self-sufficient either through their Natural Resources, Gaming or local business ventures.

I am a strong advocate of proper health care for our Tribal members.

I advocate for the Tribe to consider spending their settlement monies on good positive economic development which will create more employment opportunities and annual monetary dividends to our members.

I have been an advocate for Elder and Veteran rights and feel it is imperative that we treat our Elders and Veterans with dignity and care when providing services to them. Finally, I am particularly interested in preserving our way of life and that includes our cultural identity, food sources and food preparation. I will strongly advocate for our hunting and fishing rights and the Tribes protection of those assets for our and our children’s future for gathering and preparing our traditional foods.

I want our people to be successful.

Email: rwilliams@council.kictribe.org

SECRETARY Melissa Johnson

I have a bachelor’s of Science in Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. I am currently working on my Superintendent Endorsement through UAS where I have a great understanding about finance and human resources. Through education and experience, I have acquired a great knowledge over tribal sovereignty, tribal policies, and tribal human resource procedures.

My career path has been in education. I have taught, coached or have been a school administrator for over the past 17 years. I was born and raised in Ketchikan. My Grandmother Mae Leask was originally from Kasaan and my grandfather Ronald Leask was from Metlakatla. I represent all three tribes of Southeast as I am Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida. I have three amazing kids: Isaac, Kreylynn and Bree. I have been married for 19 years to Kevin Johnson a Choctaw from Oklahoma.

I do believe that KIC needs to follow the policies and procedures when hiring for new positions at KIC. I do believe that we need to follow Native Preference hiring policies and need to look at employing KIC members first.

I promise to work hard as a KIC council member, do my research and make myself available to tribal members

Email: mjohnson@council.kictribe.org

TREASURER Donna Frank

I am an Aleut, born in Ketchikan. In 2011, I was given the honor of being adopted by Laverne John, into the Sukteeneidi’ clan. I am Raven, Dog Salmon. I am married to Floyd Frank, Jr and have three children.

I previously served four years on the KIC Tribal Council and held the position of Treasurer for one year. I have also served a two-year term on the Advisory Health Board, one of which I was the Board Chair.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. My career spans more than 25 years in management and accounting, all within native organizations including the Ketchikan Indian Community, Cape Fox Corporation and Maniilaq Association.

I worked at KIC for approximately 12 years, in several departments including Finance, Housing, Social Services and Economic Development. I became well versed in the Indian Health Services, Housing and Urban Development and the Bureau of Indian Affairs programs, along with the financial and federal regulations that pertain to them. This knowledge has helped me make sound decisions that have resulted in business growth, solid financial performance and compliance with state and federal programs.

I possess the necessary experience in business and leadership within Native organizations; I can work with all people and am level-headed; I am dependable, and I believe our membership and the tribal members we serve should be represented by someone who is willing to listen and bring their concerns to the table for action.

Email: dfrank@council.kictribe.org

COUNCILMAN Norman Skan

Norman Skan was born in Mt. Edgecumbe Alaska. He lived in Klawock before moving to Ketchikan where he currently resides. Norm is married to Sonya. Their sons are Eric, Randy, Jordan, Jalen, and Trevan. Norm’s parents are the late Dewey Skan Sr. and his widow Regina (Rowan). Norm is from the Táakw.aaneidí Raven clan. His Tlingit name is Xaakw, which means “the bite in the river bank where the sockeye salmon go to rest”. He strives to live up to his name to ensure everyone he comes in contact with leaves refreshed knowing how valuable they are.

Norm went to school in Ketchikan completing graduation at Ketchikan High in 1975. He played on the freshman, junior varsity and varsity basketball teams. He began work at the Ketchikan Pulp Company in 1976 going through a 4 year machinist apprenticeship. He worked as a journeyman machinist until it closed in 1997. Norm went into the marine industry, working at Alaska Ship & Drydock shipyard. Norm worked as an outside machinist for 7 years before being promoted to the department supervisor. He was then promoted to his current position as ship superintendent.

Norm oversees vessel repair, new vessel construction and special projects. He is proud of the Vigor pole raising and the tribal weld class. These projects raised awareness to the needs and the beauty of Native people. Norm completed an intense one year leadership training in the Vigor Northwest Evolution in Leadership group. He is also on the local Vigor leadership team. He is the president of the local men’s basketball league. Norm is on the Ketchikan Indian Community Health Board.

Email: nskan@council.kictribe.org

COUNCILWOMAN Judy Leask Guthrie

I was born in Ketchikan and have lived in Metlakatla, Seattle and Ketchikan. My clan is Raven - Double Fin Killer Whale. In 2009 my family moved permanently to Ketchikan. My parents are Irving and Barbara Leask; my paternal grandparents are David and Lillian Leask of Metlakatla; my maternal grandparents are Ed and Leona Hamilton of Hydaburg. Tom Guthrie, Jr., and I have been married for 35 years and have four adult children and seven grandchildren.

My past experience is as Secretary of Metlakatla Little League Basketball; Chair of the Indian Education Parent Committee, Annette Island School District; Member of the Indian Education Parent Committee, Seattle School District, and Chair of Seattle Seafair Indian Days.

My priorities include encouring the Council to regularly develop and maintain a five-year plan to determine long-range goals for KIC and it’s membership. Using this process, the Council would listen to the membership’s needs and desires. This plan would enable Council to maintain consistency of KIC’s future as other members may be elected to Council.

Staff turnover at KIC is an on-going issue. I believe the Council should guide and support administration as they work towards increasing staff commitment to KIC. Support staff as they develop and grow the Education Programs, the delivery of medical services and services to our youth and elders. Consistently review KIC’s budget and work with Council to make necessary budget changes when they are needed. This past May marks 25 years of sobriety for me. I wholeheartedly support the programs that KIC provides to help those who find the strength the deal with this issue. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Email: judyg@council.kictribe.org

COUNCILMAN Lloyd Ruaro

I am the son of Deborah Yeletatzie Haida Eagle of the Stust House and Jerry Ruaro Sr. I was born and raised here in Ketchikan. Employed full-time with the City of Ketchikan, Public Works Wastewater Division as a Wastewater operator. A proud active member of Ketchikan Volunteer Fire Department for 7 years Badge #594. I am a member of IBEW Local 1547, and serve as elected UNIT committee member.

I am guided by the following statement:

“KIC will continue to work and move forward into the future with its membership taking PRIDE with ownership, and continue the efforts of honor that is built thru respect and loyalty.”

A- Accountability
C- Continuity
T- Transparency

Accountability encourages us all to hold each other to high standards and continue to move KIC and its members forward. Accountability ensures that the members are informed as to what is going on. This occurs through regular and open communication and dialogue.

Continuity allows for programs to continue to grow and thrive. Continuity keeps us close to our roots so that we can serve the young and elderly. Continuity is key to helping KIC thrive as an organization and business.

Reaching the young and Elderly. Continuity keeps us close to our roots while we continue to grow. Continuity will help the organization and business thrive and be sustainable in the future. My focus will be on continuity and continuous improvement of health care.

Transparency- through honesty and trust, transparency is built. When an organization has transparency in its leadership it creates trust. When our people feel that they can trust their leaders, great exchange of ideas and communication will occur. The number one priority shall be the health and good operations of the KIC health Clinic of the tribe.

Email: lruaro@council.kictribe.org

COUNCILWOMAN Trixie Bennett

Trixie Bennett was born and raised in Wrangell, before moving to Ketchikan in 1990. She is of Tlingit and Thaltan descent . The Kaachadi are her clan and she is a Raven Frog. Since she was a young, Trixie saw the need to improve access and quality of care for the native people of southeast. She recalls disruption when her mother was ‘shipped’ to Mt. Edgecumbe for days at a time for outpatient services like annual checkups and acute care needs. She also remembers her own heartache when she herself, boarded a plane to Mt. Edgecumbe, one month before the due date of her first child. Alone and away from her family, Trixie decided she would find ways to improve access and quality of care for our people. Trixie’s career in native health began in 1994, with a grant program called Seven Circles Coalition. Trixie was inspired by the collaboration between SEARHC and community volunteers, including Cecelia Johnson, a KIC social worker and leader, who became one of many wonderful mentors, to Trixie and others. During this time, the KIC assumed management of the clinic and KIC staff were excited to be part of a Tribe who were taking self-governance to a new level. Trixie became more engaged when KIC fought and won the funding to ‘bring the health care home’ instead of having to always travel to Mt.Edgecumbe. Trixie eventually headed efforts to ensure the clinic earned and maintained their national accreditation. Beginning 2002, KIC was accredited by AAAHC and has since maintained its Accreditation status. Trixie has over 15 years’ experience in health care administration and as a patient advocate. She is considered an expert in healthcare quality management and has participated at both State and National levels to help set public health guidelines and standards for health care improvement. Currently, she is attending the University of Alaska, with just 10 classes to go, to earn a Bachelor’s of Business Administration (management) degree.

I will advocate for KIC programs and policy that ensure all staff, volunteers, and board/council members are aware of and understand KIC policies, strategic priorities, including the principles of quality management. Although adopted by KIC and posted on the KIC webpages, the principles of quality management and organizational fitness are not consistently supported or evident in KIC processes, planning, or reporting. Quality management programs are required by accreditation, insurers, payers, funders, etc. but include other benefits to the organization: Everyone, from membership, staff, patients, and leadership better understand the mission of KIC and their role in making improvements. Leadership can be held accountable for strategic planning and annual reporting of the progress and pitfalls towards accomplishing the goals outlined in the strategic and other plans. Staff also feel ownership and pride because their job expectations and job evaluations are linked to the quality process plus they are often members of quality teams. Quality management doesn’t seem an exciting issue to get behind, but it is essential for the safe and efficient management of our clinic and ensures leadership, administration, and staff activities are in line with the overall KIC mission.

I will continue to advocate for a pain management committee to address patient, staff, and family complaints surrounding KIC’s plan (or lack thereof) for improvement of managing chronic pain and alternative therapies for pain management including treatment of substance abuse addictions. Working together, we can reach KIC’s potential in meeting its mission to help members be the healthiest and happiest people in the world. I am honored to serve on your Tribal Council.

Email: tbennett@council.kictribe.org