Tribal Boards & Committees

The Tribal Business Council is the governing body of Susanville Indian Rancheria, elected by Tribal membership to oversee Tribal affairs, protect sovereignty, and promote the welfare of the Tribe and its members. Responsibilities include policy development, financial oversight, strategic planning, economic development, land and resource management, and ensuring effective administration of Tribal programs and services.

The Health Board provides oversight and support for Tribal health services, wellness initiatives, and healthcare programs. This board works to improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of Tribal members by advising on healthcare policies, community health resources, and service accessibility.

The Tribal Business council of the SIR is composed of seven elected Tribal representatives. Officers generally include a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and treasurer. The governing body oversees governance, policy, health services, and tribal operations. It is responsible for financial oversight, economic development, and community welfare. Regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. The governing body serves as the tribe's primary decision-making authority.

• Chairman: Arian Hart
• Vice-Chairman: Robert Joseph
• Secretary/Treasurer: Christi Choo
• District 1 Councilman: Aaron Brazzanovich, Jr.
• District 2 Councilwoman: Michaela Cabrera
• Member At-Large, Trust Land: Kurt Merino
• Member At-Large, Lassen County: Mary Joseph

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Election Board is responsible for administering fair, impartial, and transparent Tribal elections in accordance with the Tribe’s Constitution and Election Ordinance. The Board oversees candidate qualifications, voter eligibility, election procedures, absentee voting, ballot security, vote certification, recounts, and election-related petitions including initiatives, referendums, and recalls. Its purpose is to uphold the integrity of the Tribal election process while ensuring all eligible Tribal members have the opportunity to participate in democratic governance.

The Election Board oversees Tribal election processes and procedures. It is responsible for candidate qualifications, voting integrity, and election certification. Membership is appointed according to the Tribal Election Ordinance. The board is comprised of five members and two alternates. Members must remain impartial and be eligible under Tribal law. The board conducts elections as scheduled and special elections as needed. It meets during election cycles, candidate review periods, and election-related proceedings.

• Chairperson: Rebecca Peconom-Heinle
• Vice-Chair: TBA
• Secretary/Treasurer: Christi Choo
• Secretary: Sonya Hubbard
• Board Member: Madeline McIntire
• Board Member: TBA
• Alternate: Isao Alokoa
• Alternate: Donna Clark

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Housing Authority (SIRHA) Board of Commissioners oversees Tribal housing programs and initiatives designed to improve the availability of safe, affordable, and sanitary housing for Tribal members. Established under Tribal ordinance, the Board manages housing projects, property development, homeownership opportunities, housing regulations, and related services while supporting community development and economic stability. SIRHA also represents the Tribe in housing-related legal and operational matters to ensure effective management of Tribal housing resources.

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Housing Authority is comprised of five commissioners who are appointed by the Tribal Business Council. No more than two commissioners may be TBC members, and they serve three-year staggered terms. SIRHA oversees housing programs, policy, and development, and supports housing opportunities for Tribal Members. It meets regularly according to Housing Authority requirements.

• Chairman & TBC Representative: Robert Joseph
• Vice-Chairwoman: Adriana Torres
• Secretary: Yvonne Redd
• Commissioner: Sonya Hubbard
• Board Member: Madeline McIntire
• Commissioner: Stevie Joseph

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Corporation (SIRCO) Board of Directors governs the Tribe’s federally chartered corporate entity, which is wholly owned by Susanville Indian Rancheria. The Board provides oversight of corporate operations, economic enterprises, strategic development, financial management, and business affairs that support the Tribe’s long-term economic growth and self-sufficiency. Through responsible governance, SIRCO works to strengthen Tribal economic opportunities, manage corporate assets, and promote sustainable business ventures that benefit the Tribe and its members.

The SIRCO Board of Directors is comprised of seven directors, including one Tribal Business Council member. The remaining directors are selected with Tribal approval and serve three-year staggered terms. The Board governs Tribal corporate enterprises and economic development, oversees corporate strategy and business assets, and meets regularly to guide economic initiatives.

• Chairwoman: Susan Campbell
• Vice-Chairwoman: Anna Townsend
• Secretary: Carol Larsen
• Treasurer: Judy Delgado
• Board Member: Mervin ‘Chag’ Lowry
• Board Member: Alfonso Saldana, Jr.
• TBC Representative: Aaron Brazzanovich, Jr.

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Gaming Commission serves as the Tribe’s regulatory authority for all Class II and Class III gaming activities conducted within Tribal jurisdiction. The Commission is responsible for licensing, regulating, monitoring, and enforcing gaming operations to ensure compliance with Tribal, federal, and state gaming laws. Its duties include protecting the integrity of Tribal gaming enterprises, ensuring fair and honest gaming practices, overseeing licensing and background investigations, safeguarding Tribal assets, and promoting economic self-sufficiency through responsible gaming governance. The Gaming Commission operates to protect Tribal sovereignty while ensuring gaming revenues benefit the Tribe and its members.

The Gaming Commission comprises five commissioners who are appointed by the Tribal Business Council. The commission includes a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and commissioners. Members must meet eligibility and regulatory standards. The commission oversees gaming compliance, licensing, and investigations. It meets regularly to monitor gaming operations and regulatory matters.

• Chairman: Curtis Dixon
• Vice-Chairman: Lee Barlese
• Secretary: Rena McIntire
• Commissioner: Taylor Greer
• Commissioner: Jamie Edeyaoch

The Enrollment Application Review Committee (EARC) oversees the review, verification, and recommendation process for individuals seeking enrollment in Susanville Indian Rancheria. The Committee evaluates membership applications, supporting documentation, blood degree verification, lineage eligibility, and enrollment compliance according to the Tribe’s Constitution and Enrollment Ordinance. EARC is responsible for maintaining confidentiality, preserving membership records, ensuring procedural fairness, and providing recommendations to the Tribal Business Council regarding approval or disapproval of applications. Through this process, the Committee helps protect the integrity of Tribal membership and ensures compliance with established enrollment standards.

The Enrollment Application Review Committee (EARC) is comprised of designated enrollment review members, including the Enrollment Clerk/Manager, Office Manager, and Secretary/Treasurer. The EARC oversees the review of Tribal membership applications and verifies eligibility and enrollment compliance. The committee meets as needed based on enrollment applications and appeals.

• Enrollment Coordinator: Ilma Willard
• Office Manager: Michaela Cabrera
• Secretary/Treasurer: Christi Choo

The Susanville Indian Rancheria ICWA Committee is dedicated to protecting the best interests of Native American children and families through advocacy, support, and compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The Committee provides recommendations to the Tribal Business Council regarding ICWA programs, supports family reunification efforts, coordinates Tribal and external resources, identifies child welfare concerns, assists in developing Native foster homes, and promotes the long-term stability of Native families. The Committee also works closely with the ICWA Director to provide policy guidance, maintain confidentiality, and strengthen child welfare services for eligible Tribal children and families both within and outside Tribal jurisdiction.

The ICWA Committee consists of three Tribal Members in good standing who are appointed by the Tribal Business Council. Committee members serve three-year staggered terms and elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson. The committee meets monthly and oversees child welfare advocacy, foster support, and family services.

• Chairwoman: Madeline McIntire
• Member: Ashley McDaniel
• Member: Chris Cobian, Jr.

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Education and Teen Center Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) supports and advises the SIR Indian Education Committee and Education Center staff in the administration, planning, and development of educational programs, youth services, and Teen Center initiatives. PAC provides valuable parent and family input regarding educational needs, assessments, youth activities, and community programming while supporting the success of Native students and the 4 Nations Youth Council.

The Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is comprised of eligible parents/guardians, with one representative per household. Officers include a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and treasurer. Members are elected annually and attend a minimum of four meetings per year. The PAC advises on education programs, youth services, and Teen Center planning.

• This committee is currently inactive with no board members.

The Land Assignment Committee oversees the application review and recommendation process for Tribal residential land assignments on Susanville Indian Rancheria lands. The Committee evaluates assignment eligibility, land use compliance, succession designations, and occupancy standards while ensuring Rancheria lands are managed responsibly for Tribal members. This committee helps preserve Tribal land resources, support housing opportunities, and ensure proper land stewardship for future generations.

The Land Assignment Committee consists of three adult Tribal Members who are appointed by the Tribal Business Council. Committee members serve two-year staggered terms and review residential land applications and compliance. The committee meets as needed for assignment reviews and recommendations

• Deana Bovee
• Ashley Krache
• Donald Wanner, Jr.
• Christi Choo – TBC Sec/Treasurer

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Cultural Committee is dedicated to preserving, protecting, promoting, and strengthening the cultural identity, ancestral territories, sacred resources, traditions, and heritage of the Maidu, Paiute, Pit River, and Washoe peoples. The Committee works with Tribal leadership, federal and state agencies, educational institutions, and cultural resource programs to protect sacred sites, develop cultural education, advise on land use planning, preserve Tribal history, and promote cultural continuity for future generations.

The Cultural Committee consists of eight members, including two representatives from each of the following unified tribes: Maidu, Paiute, Pit River and Washoe. Members serve three-year terms and elect officers, including a chairperson and secretary/treasurer. The committee meets monthly and oversees cultural preservation, sacred site protection, and Tribal heritage initiatives.

• Maidu Representative + Secretary/Treasurer: Isao Alokoa
• Maidu Representative: Valerie Edwards
• Paiute Representative: Madeline McIntire
• Paiute Representative: Richard Lent
• Pit River Representative: Janet Lamarr-Crutcher
• Pit River Representative: Ashley McDaniel
• Washoe Representative + Chairwoman: Ashley Krache
• Washoe Representative: Alexis Worley

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Powwow Committee coordinates, manages, and preserves the Tribe’s annual Powwow celebrations, cultural events, and community gatherings. The Committee promotes Native culture through singing, dancing, arts, crafts, fellowship, and honoring Tribal customs while organizing events that strengthen cultural pride, community engagement, and intertribal relationships.

There are five to seven members who are appointed by the Tribal Business Council. The members include a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and treasurer. Members serve three-year terms, which are staggered. There are monthly meetings, and the meetings may take place weekly closer to the powwow. The members organize powwow events, cultural activities, and community celebrations.

• Chairwoman: Amelia Luna
• Vice-Chairwoman: Corrine Reed
• Secretary: Solange Kocher
• Treasurer: Deana Bovee
• Member: Sonya Hubbard
• Member: Rietta Amador
• Member: Mervin Lent, Jr.

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Higher Education Committee (HEC) oversees the administration of the Tribe’s Higher Education Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to enrolled Tribal members pursuing post-secondary education, including Associate, Bachelor’s, Post-Bachelor’s Credential, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. The Committee reviews scholarship applications, determines eligibility, enforces academic and program compliance, manages scholarship awards, and supports Tribal members in achieving educational advancement through structured funding opportunities. The program promotes educational success, career development, and long-term self-sufficiency for Susanville Indian Rancheria members.

The Higher Education Committee oversees scholarship and higher education programming. Its responsibilities include reviewing scholarship applications and appeals, supporting post-secondary education for Tribal Members and operating under the authority of the Tribal Business Council. The committee meets based on scholarship cycles and program needs.

• Enrollment Coordinator: Ilma Willard
• TBC Chair: Arian Hart
• TBC Sec/Treasurer: Christi Choo

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Native Elders Circle (NEC) is a member-led governing body dedicated to keeping Native Elders active, healthy, and engaged while promoting their overall welfare, advocacy, and community involvement. NEC supports Elder wellness, social connection, cultural preservation, and community leadership through organized meetings, events, travel coordination, and programs designed to enhance the quality of life for Native Elders.

The Native Elders Circle (NEC) is open to eligible Native Elders age 55 and older. Governing officers include a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and treasurer. Officers serve staggered two-year terms. Monthly meetings are held on the third Thursday. A quorum of fifteen members is required. The NEC oversees Elder programs, budgets, advocacy, and community activities.

• Chairwoman: Valerie Edwards
• Vice-Chairwoman: Donna Clark
• Secretary: Maggie Dixon
• Treasurer: Lisa Lent

SIRCO Federal Services, Inc. (SFSI) is a federally focused corporate subsidiary of Susanville Indian Rancheria Corporation (SIRCO), established to expand the Tribe’s economic development opportunities through participation in federal contracting, SBA 8(a) Business Development Programs, and other strategic business ventures. SFSI serves as an economic arm of Susanville Indian Rancheria, supporting long-term Tribal self-sufficiency through federal service operations, diversified business growth, and corporate enterprise management.

The SFSI Board of Directors is comprised of three to nine Tribal member directors who are approved by the Tribal Business Council. Directors serve three-year staggered terms and the officers include a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The board oversees federal contracting, SBA programs, and corporate operations and meets regularly for strategic planning and governance.

• Board Member: Ashley Krache
• Board Member: Mervin ‘Chag’ Lowry
• Board Member: Doyle Lowry

The Susanville Indian Rancheria Neighborhood Watch is a community-focused public safety program dedicated to promoting safer Tribal neighborhoods, reducing crime, improving quality of life, and strengthening community relationships throughout Susanville Indian Rancheria Tribal lands. The program encourages community awareness, resident involvement, and partnership with law enforcement to help identify, report, and prevent suspicious or criminal activity.

The Neighborhood Watch is open to responsible community volunteers within Tribal Lands and is governed by the Office of Emergency Services Coordinator. It includes an elected secretary and treasurer, holds quarterly meetings, and focuses on safety, crime prevention, and community awareness. It also coordinates with law enforcement and Tribal emergency services.