Meet the members...

Joe Williams, Chairman
Joe is from Saxman, where he was born and raised. His Tlingit name is Kaxesdxé. He owns and operates Where the Eagle Walks, a walking-tour company in Ketchikan. Joe served as Tribal President of Saxman for 12 years and was also the Mayor of the Ketchikan Borough and the City of Saxman. This is Joe’s first term on the THRHA Board of Commissioners.

Dennis H. Gray, Sr., Secretary/Treasurer
Dennis is Wooshkeetaan Tóoś Déx′I Hit, Eagle/Shark Backbone House of Hoonah. His Tlingit name is Kaa-ji-nei-yi. He is a State of Alaska Certified Commercial Driver’s License Instructor for the Tlingit and Haida Vocational Technical Resource Center. He was a log truck driver and a commercial fisherman. He currently serves on the Hoonah Indian Association Board, a delegate for Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, and a life-time member of the Alaska Native Brotherhood. This is Dennis’s first term on the THRHA Board of Commissioners.

Virginia Lawnicki, Commissioner
Viginia is of the Raven Dog Salmon clan. Her Tlingit name is Annagoo.  She serves on the board of directors for the Craig Community Association, and Shaan Seet, Inc., the Native village corporation for Craig, the Indian Education Board for the local school district, and is a member of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, Camp 19. Virginia is currently employed with the City of Criag.

Carol Snoddy, Commissioner
Carol is Raven Kaach.ádi. Her Tlingit name is Aaú Guá Tee. Carol is a volunteer for the Tlingit & Haida Roads Elder History Project, the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce and the SDA Foods Distribution. She also serves as a board member for Alaska Island Community Services. Following a 30-year career with National Bank of Alaska, Carol is the office manager for the Wrangell Cooperative Association.

Ella Bennett, Commissioner
Ella Bennett was appointed to fill a vacancy on the THRHA Board of Commissioners. Mrs. Bennett previously served two terms (2006 – 2011), one as chair. Additionally, she is the president of the Tlingit and Haida Indians of the City and Borough of Juneau, and serves on the Board of Directors of Kootznoowoo, Inc. 

Joe
Chairman