Jacque Boyle

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Jacque Boyle is a member of the Oneida Nation and has 35 years of diversified background in engineering, project management, construction and facility maintenance.

She currently serves as a Commissioner for the Green Bay Water Department and is a member of the Oneida Engineering Science and Construction (OESC) Professional Services Board of Directors. She also has a Wisconsin State Fire Inspector License.

Jacque has been in positions of tribal leadership which included the responsibilities of strategic/operational planning, improving budget processes, creating reports for financial analysis, and developing a team approach to capital improvement planning. Her expertise is in applying a systems theory approach to national development, reorganizational design, and business process improvement while honoring cultural values.

While at Oneida, Jacque’s positions included Housing and Public Works Director, Assistant Operations Director, Facilities Manager, and Operations Analyst. In these positions she focused on organizing and facilitating teams through consensus to improve working relationships, identify problems, and develop design solutions. Most rewarding to her in these positions was in identifying and creating opportunities for continued career development of tribal members.

Her previous experience includes working for Nestle Beverage, Cargill and General Mills in various positions such as Project Manager, Maintenance Planner/Purchasing Manager, Assistant Plant Superintendent and Project Engineer. In these various roles she was responsible for implementing safety, sanitation and preventive maintenance programs.

Jacque’s educational background includes a BS in Engineering, an MS in Administrative Science and an MBA.

Craig Jacobson

Adjunct Faculty ~ Finance

Craig Jacobson joined Hobbs Straus as an associate in 1998, and has extensive experience in the areas of real estate, finance, tribal governance, federal contracting, and environmental and natural resources law.

While in law school, Craig began working in Indian Country with the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe in Washington State in 1993. He assisted the Tribe in the creation and management of an environmental department, development of an on-reservation health clinic, and negotiation of Title I and Title IV agreements with the federal government. He has worked on tribal issues facing Indian Country for over 30 years.

He has extensive ISDEAA experience, including Title IV Self-governance (both BIA and non-BIA), expansion of economic development opportunities, tribal sovereign immunity, regulatory authority, as well as protection of tribal resources and assets.

Craig also has a wide range of experience in cultural resources issues, real estate transactions, and housing issues. He often works with tribal governments on the acquisition of ancestral lands and the placement of those lands into trust status.

When not at work, he enjoys sports, music and spending time with his family.

Brigette Finigan

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Brigette Finigan is an enrolled member of the Yurok Tribe, descending from Ah-Pah and Kepel villages. She is also a Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation descendent of Howonquet village. She resides in her ancestral homeland territories in the Pacific Northwest. Brigette is currently serving as the Senior Planner for Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, where she manages their Planning Division and oversees a multitude of community development projects. She has over 40 years of life experience, with over 20 years of work experience in Indian Country. She has worked for tribal governments, other tribal organizations, other non-tribal governments, and non-profit community organizations. Brigette has experience with both official and volunteer roles as a cultural consultant, advocate, and liaison for indigenous communities. Brigette’s area of expertise is in cultural competency and bridging cultural gaps between Indian Country and mainstream American systems and worldviews.

Lyndalou M. Bullard

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

With expertise spanning organizational development, human resources, strategic planning, and leadership, Lyndalou M. Bullard has made indelible marks throughout her career. She has thrived as the Organizational Development & Training Manager at the City of North Las Vegas, pioneering the establishment of a new division and spearheading core competency development. As the Business Services Manager at CSN College of Southern Nevada, she supervised instructors, fostered collaborations, and amplified organizational performance. Her role as HR Manager of Employee Development at Las Vegas Valley Water District highlighted her ability to architect comprehensive training programs and initiatives, earning accolades and awards.

Lyndalou received a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from the University of San Francisco and has earned numerous certifications and qualifications, including those in instructional system design, human resource management, diversity leadership, and quality assurance.

Lyndalou is a native Las Vegan. She and her husband, Bryan, enjoy traveling, all sports (especially baseball) and outdoor hiking. She is also an avid baker, cook, gardener and swimmer.

Eugenia Charles-Newton

Council Delegate, Navajo Nation

Eugenia Charles-Newton, Dinè (Navajo), currently serves as a Council Delegate on the 25th Navajo Nation Council. She was elected to be the Chairwoman of the Law and Order Committee where she leads it in overseeing the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch, Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, Navajo Nation Department of Justice, Ethics and Rules, and other Divisions and Departments that deal with law. She also serves as the Chairwoman of the Gaming Subcommittee working to renegotiate a gaming compact with the State of Arizona.

In addition to serving the Nation, she also co-chairs the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee at the Tribal Interior Budget Council (TIBC) working alongside the Department of Interior as a tribal leader to help appropriate funds across Indian Country.

Eugenia holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas School of Law and a Certificate for Tribal Law and Policy. She’s currently working on her Ph.D. at Texas Tech University School of Education in Secondary Education, with an emphasis on policy writing.

Her varied career includes working as a Burger King cashier, a jet welder building 6’ suction tanks for oil fields, a law librarian, a college professor and a prosecutor for the Navajo Nation.

Eugenie has been married for 26 years, has one son and lives on a small farm in Shiprock, New Mexico where she raises 11 sheep, 5 dogs, 3 cats, 2 geese, a llama and donkey named Brand-E.

Jill Ross, MBA-PM

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Jill Ross, MBA-PM has over 20 years of experience in business leadership, consulting, and project management in the healthcare, banking, and entrepreneurial industries. She has an MBA in Project Management, Six-sigma and Lean certifications, and spends her free time mentoring students at a specialized business academy. Jill served in the U.S. Navy and currently serves as a member of the Military Affairs Committee at the Vegas Chamber, and as a civic leader for Creech and Nellis Air Force bases. Recently, Jill sold her start-up tech company and has turned her passion for health into a nutrition coaching and consulting company.

Teresa Choyguha

Emcee

Teresa, also known as Sh-Girl, is a citizen of the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona. Teresa performs stand-up comedy and is part of the all-female comedy group, “The Ladies of Native Comedy:” Teresa promotes culture and language in her community. She is part of a group dedicated to reviving traditional pottery making in her Nation. She lives with her family Where the Turtle is Wedged (Sells, Arizona) where she is currently employed by the Tohono O’odham Utility Authority.

Lisa Riggleman

Director, Learning and Development

As the Director of Learning and Development, Lisa Riggleman is responsible for leading the design and delivery process of culturally-appropriate, business related training initiatives for Falmouth Institute. She has worked and traveled extensively in Indian Country for nearly 30 years. Lisa has decades of experience in the nonprofit, education and gaming professions. Most recently, she held senior leadership positions with The Mob Museum and The Neon Museum-both in Las Vegas. She is an avid volunteer and serves on the board of various Las Vegas nonprofits. She earned a Master of Arts in journalism and telecommunications from the University of Wyoming and a Bachelor of Science in journalism and broadcasting from West Texas A&M University as well as post graduate studies and a human resources certification at The University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Brian Pearson, MBA

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

As a long-time Las Vegas local, Brian Pearson has spent the last 30 years working with technology to get the most out of office automation. Brian earned his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He has been instructing classes in Microsoft Office, Network Security, Records Retention and Electronic Document Management for Falmouth for the past 15 years. He is a devoted husband and father of three children. He enjoys spending time with his children, volunteering with youth baseball programs and working with computers.

Patina Park, J.D.

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Patina Park, J.D. is Mnicoujou Lakota and serves as a senior advisor and Executive Director of Tribal State Relations in the Office of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan where she directs the government-to-government relationship between the Governor’s office and Tribal Nations, and works closely with staff across the Enterprise to advise on issues affecting policy and legislative affairs impacting the Tribal Nations and tribal communities. Over the past 20 years, she has worked with both tribal and state governments, and with urban Native communities in various roles. She has represented Native families in state and tribal courts as an ICWA attorney and served a tribal court appellate judge. She has taught Federal Indian Law as an adjunct law professor and held leadership positions with the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, Minneapolis Division of Indian Work, and the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Justice. Ms. Park has been faculty with the Falmouth Institute for over 12 years.

Ms. Park is Mnicoujou Lakota, her biological family comes from the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes and her adoptive family is Osage. She graduated from Arizona State University with an undergraduate in Psychology and obtained her Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law. Ms. Park is married and the mother of 3 boys. She also has 2 demanding cats and a very naughty but adorable dog.

Wes Miller, MEd

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Wes was born in Pittsburgh, PA and raised in northeast Ohio. He moved to Las Vegas for economic reasons, meaning he needed a job and Vegas was hiring. He has managed the Learning and Development function for various hotel/casinos on the Las Vegas Strip and has been proudly facililtating training sessions for the Falmouth Institute since 1994.

He earned his BA in Business Administration/HR and a Master’s in Education for Instructional Design.

Wes is also an experienced mediator and was appointed by the Nevada Supreme Court as a Foreclosure Mediator during the financial crisis from 2009-2015. He taught a 40 hour mediation certification program at UNLV during that time and still makes occasional guest appearances for current classes. He is passionate about restorative justice practices and other conflict resolution training. He volunteers with the Nevada Mediation Group to offer conflict resolution training for the Las Vegas community.

At this point, Wes has done both training delivery and instructional design for more than half his life. He knew from a young age this is what he wanted to do and has had the great fortune of loving his work. He lives by the mantra “Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.”

Lesley Moore

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Lesley Moore brings more than 20 years’ experience in grant writing, fund and organizational development, nonprofit management, and community organizing. She earned her undergraduate degree in communications and theatre, and dual MBA and MSW degrees in business and social work. She provides instruction and facilitation, consulting and coaching to individuals and organizations at all levels with particular expertise in grassroots groups and those newer to grant writing. She has content expertise and experience in the arts, social justice, environment and sustainability, emergency preparedness, human services and mental health, adult education, and youth work. She holds a permaculture design certificate (PDC) and continues to study in an advanced regenerative land management program.

Lisa Harjo, MEd

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Lisa Harjo works as the Executive Director for Native American Cancer Research. She is the Principal Investigator on a project with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and provides administrative leadership and oversight for the organization. She supervises staff and maintains all corporate documents and standards. She also provides health education, training, recruits American Indians for cancer screening, and supports cancer survivors through education and outreach in the Denver Metro Area.

After receiving her Bachelors of Science in Native American Education and Child Development in 1974, Ms. Harjo spent the next twenty years teaching all ages from preschool through higher education. She also worked for many years in the field of non-profit organization management and development. She received her Masters of Education in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado at Denver in the early nineties. She co-authored several books in the field of education. She has worked for decades with American Indian tribes and other organizations, facilitating group meetings and trainings, and assisting communities in building consensus and unity of visions.

Ms. Harjo lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, three daughters, grandson, and three granddaughters.

Marissa Gehley, MA

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Marissa J. Gehley is the founder of KNOW consulting, Kids Need Our Wisdom. She has more than 30 years of experience in education as a former teacher, counselor, child welfare and attendance specialist and coordinator of school safety and the Burbank OutReach Center. Additionally she is a trainer for the California School/Law Enforcement Partnership.

Ms. Gehley is proud to have contributed to several articles published in the nationally syndicated column “A+ Advice for Parents” by Leanna Landsmann. She has presented hundreds of workshops for community leaders, educators, parents and students in areas such as bully awareness/prevention, suicide prevention, effective communication techniques, school and neighborhood safety, diversity, relationship violence, child abuse and neglect and developing effective community partnerships. She holds a BS in history and social science and an MA in counseling.

Karla Bylund

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Karla Bylund, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, founded Soaring Bird Solutions in 2015. Soaring Bird Solutions is a Native American Woman-owned consulting firm which provides professional Human Resource consulting services including HR outsourcing and special projects such as compensation and organizational analysis, human resource audit and assistance, policy review, employee relations investigations, engagement surveys, career development and customized training.

She has over 25 years’ experience in Human Resources and has worked with over 30 Tribal Nations. Her credentials include:

Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Phoenix
Master of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Kansas State University
Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion, Cornell University
Senior Human Resource Certification, Society for Human Resource Management
Speaker, National Native American Human Resource Association
Speaker, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
Speaker, TribalNet Annual Conference
Adjunct Instructor, Falmouth Institute

Greg Gunderson

Adjunct Faculty ~ Finance

Dr. Greg Gunderson is the Chief Financial Officer for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and has more than 35 years of executive and financial leadership experience. Gunderson has expertise in many traditional financial areas, including accounting, purchasing, accounts payable, and internal audit. He also has experience in broader organizational management, including strategic planning, building construction and renovation, facility maintenance, asset acquisition including bond financing, people management, and public safety. After graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree, Gunderson began his career as a tax accountant. He later received his Master’s degree in Finance while simultaneously working full-time. After receiving his Doctorate degree in Educational Administration, he served as Vice President and CFO for Webster University in St. Louis and then as President of Park University in Kansas City and Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas. Throughout his career, Dr. Gunderson has recognized the importance of bringing humor to the workplace and maintaining a focus on finding solutions. Greg is married to his high school debate partner, Laurie, and they raised two sons and now reside near their extended family in Omaha, Nebraska.

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INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT

Meet Dr. Joe Hobot

Dr. Joe Hobot, a descendant of the Hunkpapa Band of the Lakota Nation from the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, is a Falmouth Institute adjunct faculty member specializing in Human Resources. Since 2006, he has worked at American Indian OIC, a nonprofit specializing in workforce development, education and advocacy for the urban American Indian community in Minnesota, where he currently serves as the President and CEO.

Here’s what some recent students had to say about Dr. Hobot …

Joe was very informative and well spoken. He has a great personality and I would love to take classes taught by him again.

The quality of the instructor was outstanding. I can’t wait for the next training.

Join Dr. Joe Hobot for Tribal Governing — Leadership Roles and Responsibilities for Tribal Executives and Council Members, November 2-3 in Las Vegas, NV.

David Joseph Montoya III, J.D., M.A., SHRM-CP

Senior Law & Governance Analyst

In 2023, David Montoya joined Falmouth Institute as our Senior Law & Governance Analyst. David is an enrolled member of the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo and has been serving Indian Country as an attorney and consultant for over 10 years. David graduated from UCLA School of Law’s Federal Indian Law joint degree program in 2009, earning a J.D. and Masters in American Indian Studies. He has worked as an in-house attorney for several tribes across California including the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria. Major successful projects David has managed include the following: building the Bear River Tribal Court and Public Safety Departments, negotiating settlement agreements with school districts to resolve discriminatory treatment of Native students, successfully managing multi-million dollar tribal government grant portfolios, developing multiple tribal private enterprises as part of economic development initiatives, and training local government agencies to successfully work with tribal communities.

David has also worked within higher education, serving as head of human resources for Cal Poly Pomona and Pomona Community College and, additionally, served on the Native Advisory Committees for both these institutions. David worked extensively with college administrators regarding NAGPRA compliance, cultural consideration when working with Native students, and working directly with tribal leadership to find joint solutions to resolve barriers to education.

David currently serves as an Appellate Court Justice for the Northern California Tribal Court Coalition, serving as an appellate judge for several tribes in Northern California. In December 2023, he was sworn in as an Appellate Court Justice for the Sauk Suiattle Tribe in Washington.

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Evelina Y-Maho

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Evelina Y-Maho is Co-Owner/Founder of YM Solutions, LLC, a native women-own consulting firm. Worked many years in the public health and healthcare arena. Holds a Masters Degree in Administration with an emphasis in Health Sciences and an undergraduate degree in Clinical Dietetics and Chemistry from Northern Arizona University. Early in her career, much of her work focused on Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease among American Indian populations. Experienced and skilled in project design, implementation, evaluation, and fiscal management. Much of her work entails collaborative work with Tribal Health Programs, Hospitals (IHS/638) Facilities and Urban Indian Health Centers. Currently, Evelina works with the National Council of Urban Indian Health and continues to support AI/AN programs. At Falmouth Institute, she serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member.

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Adam Bailey

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Adam Bailey, an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, joined the law firm Hobbs Straus as an associate in February 2013. He is a 2011 graduate of the UCLA School of Law, where he received his J.D. with a specialization in Critical Race Studies. During law school, Mr. Bailey was an active member and officer of NALSA. He worked on UCLA’s Journal of Environmental Law and Policy and the Dukeminier Awards Journal on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and the Law. Mr. Bailey was a term-time clerk for the Hualapai Court of Appeals and the Hopi Tribal Appeals Court. He was also a member of the UCLA Law Review, where he was selected to be a Senior Editor. He authored his student note entitled Threading the Needle: The Fort Peck Tribe’s Associate Membership: A Modern Model for Tribal Affiliation.

Mr. Bailey has returned to Hobbs Straus, having worked for four years in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as a legislative specialist before enrolling in law school. Prior to his previous work at the firm he served as a legislative associate for the National Congress of American Indians. Immediately after graduation from the UCLA School of Law, Mr. Bailey practiced labor and employment law for Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton.

Mr. Bailey graduated with honors from Harvard University. His thesis exploring President Clinton’s executive order on tribal consultation received magna cum laude.

Mr. Bailey enjoys fishing and hunting, hiking, cooking, traveling, keeping current on news and politics.

John Friel

Director of Financial Services

John Friel, CPA, is Director of Financial Services with the Falmouth Institute, where he provides a wide range of financial management services to tribal governments. Mr. Friel leads the team that prepares and negotiates indirect cost proposals for hundreds of Falmouth IDC clients. Other services include: training, internal controls analysis, cost allocation policy facilitation and corrective action plans in response to audit findings issued in accordance with single audits.

Mr. Friel achieved the status of master trainer due to his outstanding achievements in workshop presentation and methodology. He has consistently demonstrated an understanding and sensitivity to the issues faced by attendees in the workshops he conducts.

Julia Coates

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Julia Coates is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Born in Pryor, Oklahoma and raised in northern California, she holds BAs in Anthropology and English from San Francisco State University, and a PhD in American Studies from the University of New Mexico. She has worked for Native American non-profits, tribal governments, and non-governmental organizations. Dr. Coates was a delegate to the Cherokee Nation Constitutional convention, was the Project Director for the award-winning Cherokee Nation History Course, and is serving her fourth term on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, representing Cherokee Nation citizens who reside outside the reservation boundaries. She has worked on research, grant writing, and conference production for the American Indian Studies Center at UCLA, and presently is an adjunct professor of American Indian History and American Indian Law and Policy at California State University, Northridge and Pasadena City College.

Raymond Bantum

Adjunct Faculty ~ Finance

Mr. Bantum is the President of Bantum Consulting Services, which specializes in providing Information Technology consulting services to faith based, non-profit, for profit, governmental and healthcare organizations. He has over 25 years of accounting and technology consulting experience, including experience in providing consulting, database and forensic accounting services to the healthcare industry. Mr. Bantum is a CPA, a CITP (Certified Information Technology Professional) and a CMC (Certified Management Consultant). He has served in the U.S. Air Force and received a Top Secret Security clearance while in service to his country. He was also an auditor with the accounting firm of Deloitte and Touche. He is a member of the AICPA, the Maryland Association of CPA’s, and the National Association of Black Accountants.

Don't miss TriSec, THE Tribal Administrative Professionals Conference!

Day(s)

Hour(s)

Minute(s)

Second(s)

What Happened in 1994?

The sitcom Friends premiered

Forrest Gump and Lion King were in theaters

Both Amazon and Yahoo were born

…and on April 26 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, the very first Tribal Secretaries Conference opened!

Conference Agenda

CLICK HERE for a full, detailed agenda

with daily schedule and room assignments.

Monday, April 14

4:00pm – 6:00pm

Early Conference Check-In

Tuesday, April 15

8:00am – 9:00am	Conference Check-In
9:00am – 10:15am	Opening Session
10:00am – 4:45pm	Falmouth Info Booth Open
10:30am – 12:00pm	1^st Workshop Session
12:00pm – 1:15pm	Lunch (on your own)
1:15pm – 2:45pm	2^nd Workshop Session
2:45pm – 3:15pm	Break
3:15pm – 4:45pm	3^rd Workshop Session
7:00pm – 9:00pm	Welcome Reception

Wednesday, April 16

8:00am – 3:45pm	Falmouth Info Booth Open
9:00am – 10:30am	4^th Workshop Session
10:45am – 12:15pm	5^th Workshop Session
12:30pm – 2:00pm	Appreciation Luncheon
2:15pm – 3:45pm	6^th Workshop Session

Thursday, April 17

8:00am – 12:15pm	Falmouth Info Booth Open
9:00am – 10:30am	7^th Workshop Session
10:45am – 12:15pm	8^th Workshop Session

* Expo will be open from 8am until Workshop Sessions end daily.

We’re using Whova as our official event app!

Last year over 90% of attendees used and enjoyed Whova!
Receive timely event announcements
Create a personalized agenda and view workshop details
View instructor profiles
Enjoy networking, meet-ups and messages
Access event documents

Celebrating 30 years of TriSec

Join us in celebrating 30 years of TriSec – three decades of this dynamic conference dedicated to you, the tribal administrative professional! We look forward to welcoming over 500 tribal administrative assistants, secretaries, office managers, receptionists, customer service representatives and others for the largest conference of its kind in Indian Country – TriSec, The Tribal Administrative Professionals Conference.

We’re committed to creating an amazing event – but we’re also committed to you! TriSec promises to enhance your skills, explore your unique role, appreciate your traditions, and offer an opportunity for you to connect and recharge. We look forward to collaborating with you throughout this milestone event!

An overwhelming favorite feature of last year’s TriSec, we are excited to again be utilizing Whova, an award-winning mobile event app, to enhance your TriSec 2025 experience. Using Whova, you’ll have instant access to the conference agenda, workshop descriptions, a map of the Sahara, speaker bios, exclusive prizes and much more!

Reward yourself with time for both personal and professional growth. We look forward to sharing this milestone event with you! Click here for more about 30 Years of TriSec!

Highlights Include:

Inspiring and empowering Keynote Presentation
14 hot-topic, hands-on new or improved Workshops to choose from
Popular instructors with decades of Indian Country experience
A festive Welcome Reception
TriSec Appreciation Luncheon – a longstanding tradition of celebrating the efforts and achievements of tribal administrative professionals
TriSec 2025 – TriSec 30th anniversary custom-designed t-shirt
Environmentally-friendly conference guidebook
A chance to win fabulous prizes
Vendor Expo featuring Native American artists and other businesses showcasing their products and services
Whova, an award-winning, interactive conference app

To check out a historical overview of the last 30 Years of TriSec, CLICK HERE!

Workshops At-A-Glance

Attend 8 of these 14 information-packed Workshops taught by experienced, enthusiastic, dedicated Indian Country experts! Scroll for detailed Workshop descriptions below. You can also check out the Workshop details on the Agenda page HERE, where you can learn more about our instructors!

Protecting Confidentiality in Tribal Administrative Operations

Instructor: David Montoya

Dealing with workplace confidentiality can be overwhelming. However, it’s essential to use the proper tools when handling sensitive tribal information. Learn how to protect the privacy of your community members and ensure ethical data practices.

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of tribal confidentiality, information privacy laws and regulations
Developing practical skills for implementing and enforcing confidentiality and information privacy policies and procedures in administrative settings
Exploring the importance of integrating tribal values and perspectives into confidentiality and information privacy practices

Making Artificial Intelligence (AI) Work for You

Brian Pearson

Join us for a transformative workshop exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for tribal administrative professionals. We’ll examine the practical applications of AI, focusing on the unique needs and challenges of Indian Country, while learning how to work smarter and more productively. Let’s demystify the world of AI.

Streamlining workflows and increasing efficiency
Understanding the unique opportunities afforded by AI, including language revitalization, cultural preservation and personalized learning experiences for Native students (SIDE)
Navigating the ethical implications of AI and ensuring responsible use

Finding Your Zen with Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques

Lisa Harjo

Stress can take a toll on our mental and physical health. Take time out for yourself and discover practical tools and techniques to manage stress, improve focus and enhance your overall well-being. Through mindfulness meditation and other relaxation techniques, you’ll learn how to reduce stress, increase productivity and find greater balance in your life.

Applying strategies for balancing your professional and personal life
Learning mental and physical exercises to manage stress and boost your focus
Discovering mindfulness practices tailored to the unique needs of Native professionals

Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Professionals

Patina Park

Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to maneuver organizational finances, including budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting. We’ll explore the next steps in funding sources geared toward tribal institutions. Empower yourself to navigate seemingly complex financial decisions while contributing to the long-term financial health of your tribal operations.

Understanding basic financial statements
Getting started on grant applications
Using financial data to make informed decisions

The People Puzzle: Unlocking the Secrets of Team Success

Marissa Gehley

Team contributions are enhanced when we use our unique personality traits and intergenerational skills. By understanding and valuing all team members’ distinct traits, you’ll learn to capitalize on strengths, target development opportunities, and improve team progress. Join this eye-opening workshop to learn ways to positively impact work by embracing the differences in team players’ styles.

Identifying your team player style
Getting the most out of team differences
Putting it all together with interactive exercises

People-First Supervisory Skills

Melanie Burkhart

Supervising projects and people in tribal organizations can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding. When you’re equipped with the proper tools, you can carve out a meaningful career, making a positive difference in Indian Country. Learn what it takes to successfully manage a diverse team and how to work equitably with friends and family.

Developing your supervisory skills
Recognizing leadership values
Developing time management and planning techniques

Leveraging Social Media for Professional Polish

Teresa Freeman

In today’s digital age, social media is essential for networking and building relationships. We’ll explore the power of social media platforms to connect with other Native professionals, share knowledge and advance your career. You’ll learn how to create a strong professional online presence, engage with your audience, and leverage social media to build lasting relationships.

Learning how to create a professional social media profile
Using social media to share your expertise and insights
Advancing your career by building a strong online brand

Calibrating your Moral Compass – Understanding Tribal Law and Ethics

David Montoya

Delve into the complex legal and ethical landscape of tribal governing as we explore key legal issues, including federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty and regulatory compliance. We’ll also examine ethical considerations in decision-making, conflict resolution and community development.

Understanding the legal and ethical frameworks that govern tribal governance
Developing strategies to navigate these challenges effectively
Exploring ethical dilemmas and making sound decisions in challenging situations

Conquering Chaos with Electronic Records Management

Brian Pearson

Are you drowning in a sea of paper? Equip your office with proven strategies to better manage your electronic records management systems. Learn how to efficiently organize, store, and retrieve digital documents, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and tribal ordinances.

Discovering best practices for implementing an effective electronic records management system, including data security, retention schedules and disaster recovery planning
Preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age
Being empowered to create a more efficient, organized and compliant workplace

Nourishing Your Physical Wellness for a Healthier You

Lisa Harjo

Investing in your health is a lifelong journey, and this workshop can help set you on the right path. Our health and wellness expert will demonstrate stretches and exercises you can easily add to your daily routine, give you important workplace ergonomics tips, and teach you how to read and understand nutrition labels. We’ll also discuss the top diseases in American Indian communities and how you can protect against them.

Creating a personal health and safety action plan
Learning simple and effective stretches and exercises
Maintaining your overall health and well-being

Crossing the T’s in Your Tribal Travel Policies

Patina Park

If you deal with tribal travel policies, this workshop is for you. Not only is it essential to understand fiscal responsibility, but also what constitutes allowable travel costs and reimbursements. Do you know how to correctly interpret the IRS travel regulations? Attend this session and learn how to establish travel reimbursement plans that meet the accountability test and what to do if your plan doesn’t.

Understanding the types of travel reimbursement
Interpreting IRS guidelines
Putting the travel policy plan in place

Celebrating Excellence: The Power of You

Marissa Gehley

At times you may feel that you have little control over your life and work. In this empowering workshop, you’ll discover that no matter what challenges you face, you always have the power of choice. Learn how to align your goals with professional and personal priorities.

Identifying negative thought patterns
Strengthening your goals
Developing your competencies

Communicating Like a Leader

Melanie Burkhart

Can you hear me? The most effective leaders communicate authentically and inspirationally and leave people wanting to hear more and act. This immersive workshop will give you the necessary tools to get your points across with the highest standards of superb communication.

Building rapport
Getting yourself out of sticky situations
Communicating with influence and integrity

Vanquishing Energy Vampires in the Workplace

Teresa Freeman

We all have unique personality traits that serve us well most of the time. Understanding and changing the traits that may derail our career progress is a lot more challenging. This workshop gives you the chance to not only self-reflect, but learn how to deal with difficult people and diffuse conflicting situations for optimal relationship building and triumph.

Identifying traits that can help or hurt
Changing your habits for success
Dealing with difficult people in the workplace

Welcome to the All-New, Reimagined Sahara!

SAHARA Las Vegas, which has been completely remodeled and reimagined for a new era, epitomizes the timeless soul of Las Vegas. With a bold, sophisticated flair and a boutique approach to personal service, the hotel provides guests with an intimate and unexpected experience that sets a new standard for Vegas.

SAHARA offers three hotel towers, each with their own distinctive style and flair; an award-winning collection of some of the best restaurants in the city, from casual bites to signature dinner experiences; a world-class casino; captivating pools; luxury spa; fitness studio and more. As one of the stops on the Las Vegas Monorail, SAHARA Las Vegas provides quick and easy access to the world-famous Strip.

With unexpected delights around every corner, SAHARA embodies the style, sophistication and playful sense of possibility that’s truly the spirit of Vegas – and brings the iconic Vegas experience to a whole new generation.

Please make your reservation by March 21, 2025. To book your room online, please CLICK HERE.

SAHARA Las Vegas
2535 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109, US
888-696-2121

Let’s Go Shopping!

A favorite attraction for TriSec attendees, the Vendor Expo can’t be missed! If you love cool Native clothing, beautiful handmade jewelry, unique paintings, blankets and other authentic Native American collectibles, be sure to check out the Expo anytime to treat yourself during an action-packed TriSec week. Our vendors are some of the finest artisans in Indian Country. Leave some room in your suitcase and shop for yourself or for gifts to bring home!

Please contact Jennifer at (703) 995-7306 or [email protected] for more information.

For details on sponsorship opportunities, Click Here.

ACT NOW for Low Rates!

REGISTER NOW!

Your TriSec registration fee includes 14 hands-on Workshops, a fun-filled Welcome Reception, the TriSec Appreciation Luncheon, a custom-designed t-shirt and more!

Super Early Bird: Tier 1 – $864 per person through February 7, 2025

Early Bird: Tier 2 – $912 per person February 8, 2025 through March 7, 2025

Regular: Tier 3 – $960 per person March 8, 2025 through April 14, 2025

Groups of 3 or more students, use CODE: TS2025 in the shopping cart for an additional 10% discount.*

*Group participants must register and pay together to receive the group rate.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Customer Care at (703) 352-2250 or [email protected].

Your 2025 Presenters!

For thirty years our top-notch TriSec facilitators have represented the best of the best in human resources, communication skills, leadership, Indian law, technology and more. Your dedicated instructors for TriSec 2025 have decades of combined experience and expertise in Indian Country!

Falmouth is seeking volunteers to help with onsite conference registration and logistics. Volunteers may attend TriSec for FREE. Click here for more information and to complete the application.

Jacque Boyle

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Craig Jacobson

Adjunct Faculty ~ Finance

Brigette Finigan

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Lyndalou M. Bullard

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Eugenia Charles-Newton

Council Delegate, Navajo Nation

Jill Ross, MBA-PM

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Teresa Choyguha

Emcee

Lisa Riggleman

Director, Learning and Development

Brian Pearson, MBA

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Patina Park, J.D.

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Wes Miller, MEd

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Lesley Moore

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Lisa Harjo, MEd

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Marissa Gehley, MA

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Karla Bylund

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

You're all set! We'll keep you posted on the latest class/conference highlights, news and special offers.

Greg Gunderson

Adjunct Faculty ~ Finance

Don’t miss out!

Don’t miss out!

Thank you, stay tuned for TriSec Updates!

INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT

Meet Dr. Joe Hobot

David Joseph Montoya III, J.D., M.A., SHRM-CP

Senior Law & Governance Analyst

Don’t miss out!

Thank you, stay tuned for TriSec Updates!

Evelina Y-Maho

Adjunct Faculty ~ Human Resources

Be the First to Know!

Stay tuned for I-Lead Updates!

Don’t miss out!

Thank you, stay tuned for TriSec Updates!

Adam Bailey

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

John Friel

Director of Financial Services

Julia Coates

Adjunct Faculty ~ Law & Governance

Raymond Bantum

Adjunct Faculty ~ Finance

Don't miss TriSec, THE Tribal Administrative Professionals Conference!

What Happened in 1994?

CLICK HERE for a full, detailed agenda with daily schedule and room assignments.

Monday, April 14

Tuesday, April 15

Wednesday, April 16

Thursday, April 17

We’re using Whova as our official event app!

Celebrating 30 years of TriSec

Highlights Include:

Workshops At-A-Glance

Protecting Confidentiality in Tribal Administrative Operations

Instructor: David Montoya

Making Artificial Intelligence (AI) Work for You

Brian Pearson

Finding Your Zen with Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques

Lisa Harjo

Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Professionals

Patina Park

The People Puzzle: Unlocking the Secrets of Team Success

Marissa Gehley

People-First Supervisory Skills

Melanie Burkhart

Leveraging Social Media for Professional Polish

CLICK HERE for a full, detailed agenda

with daily schedule and room assignments.