Chamisa Radford
Lubbock,TX
Summary
Dynamic Executive Director with a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, offering over eighteen years of diverse leadership experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors. Proven track record in driving strategic initiatives and optimizing operations to achieve organizational objectives. Expertise includes over seven years in senior administrative roles within Tribal government, three years as a Lead Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Specialist with ICF, and one year in an advisory position supporting Native American small businesses at Sister Sky, Incorporated. Additionally, seven years dedicated to Tribal natural resources and transportation. Committed to fostering sustainable growth and empowering communities through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
Composite Supplies, LLC
Lubbock, TX
03.2015 - Current
- Directed organizational strategy to enhance operational efficiency and drive revenue growth.
- Fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging teams to develop new product lines and solutions.
- Cultivated partnerships with suppliers and industry stakeholders to strengthen market position and supply chain resilience.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, reducing overall costs and increasing profitability.
- Implemented strong hiring and training techniques to promote team cohesiveness and streamline overall workflow.
- Manages monthly and annual budget, procurement, monthly and annual tax filing, annual licensing requirements, annual Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm reporting, compliance and audits, and federal and state tax audits, as needed.
- Manages various vendor accounts, contracting and leasing agreements
- Leads all organizational meetings and decision-making processes, reporting to board and partners, as needed
- Engaged positively with staff and leadership colleagues, soliciting and encouraging feedback and collaborative spirit.
- Oversaw major infrastructure upgrades to support rapid growth while minimizing downtime or disruptions to existing services.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
Lead Tribal Training & Technical Assistance Specialist – Housing and Community Development
ICF International
Remote
12.2022 - Current
- Collaborates with team to provide training and technical assistance (T/TA) to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities
- Develops innovative, high-quality products and services to support ICF's projects and partnerships in Indian Country and throughout Alaska
- Developed and published Tribal resources for HUD, Continuum of Care Program
- Collaborated to publish Development and Infrastructure in Indian Country Guide
- Provides virtual and in-person training to Tribes and TDHEs on behalf of HUD Office of Native American Programs in areas of NAHASDA, procurement, self-monitoring, preparation for audits, alternative funding opportunities, and property maintenance ensuring compliance with the ISDEAA of 1975 and 2 CFR Part 200
- Co-Facilitator for national Tribal Homelessness Network
- Managed multiple projects concurrently while maintaining strict deadlines and quality standards
Trainer/Advisor, Project Coordinator II
Sister Sky Enterprises, Inc
Spokane, WA
04.2023 - 04.2024
- Assisted over 120 entrepreneurs in business development throughout United States.
- Leveraged digital tools for efficient project management and reporting, ensuring timely completion of client deliverables while maintaining high level of quality assurance across all projects handled.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing personalized small business advice and support.
- Collaborated with network of over 30 local economic development organizations to support small business initiatives within community
- Developed monthly reports for the Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN) and WA Department of Commerce
- Reported to monthly SBRN led meetings on project accomplishments
- Collaborated during monthly TA Tuesday meetings with other WA state small business organizations
Director of Planning & Public Works
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Wellpinit, WA
03.2021 - 03.2022
- Oversaw day-to-day operations and Program Managers of Facilities, Utilities, Roads, THPO, Transit and Planning
- In alignment with strategic organizational goals, collaborated with Tribal Council, the Office of the Executive Director, Human Resources, Legal, and Finance in the development of the new Tribal Department.
- Focused on wireless broadband buildout, securing fiber broadband funding, management of ARPA and other COVID-19 funded development projects, and department-wide strategic planning
- Developed new department policy and new broadband program policy to align with existing protocols, funding compliance requirements, future development and public as well as system safety.
- Supervised nine direct reports and approximately 30 additional indirect reports providing supervisor and management training as well as the development and monitoring of annual work plans
- Enhanced collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of Tribal goals and objectives.
- Increased stakeholder satisfaction by establishing robust communication plan that ensured transparency throughout decision-making process. Regularly reported development project status to Tribal Business Council and the General Council.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms that reduced costs without compromising quality or service levels.
- Mentored junior staff members, contributing to their professional development and career growth.
- Managed annual budgets, prioritizing investments strategically while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Utilized tools such as "Art of the Native View" and "The Rez, The Futures Game," to facilitate community and organizational strategic and scenario planning sessions
Lands Director
Pueblo of Sandia
Bernalillo, NM
05.2015 - 08.2017
- Managed day-to-day operations of seven Programs and Managers- Tribal Housing and Maintenance, Engineering, Realty, GIS, Bison, Planning and Community Farm
- Hired and managed professional interdisciplinary team resulting in full exercise of self-determination through the development of a fully Pueblo-funded housing program, expansion of aboriginal territory and land interests, and creation of strategic plans for various programmatic areas
- Developed policy for new housing program
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth
- Facilitated the development of a Strategic Management Plan which included transition and succession planning to direct responsibilities in event of absence or turnover. Implemented cross-training to be more responsive to requests from leadership or community members and plan for advancement.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and Tribal Council to guide operational strategy
- Established culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas
- Cultivated positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale
- Managed $2.2M in budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements monthly
- Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within organization, particularly around development projects by leading the development team - Lands, Building Safety, Public Works, Finance, Environment, federal, state and local partners and various contractors and consultants
- Reported monthly to the Housing Board of Commissioners and weekly to the Tribal Council
- Delegated to represent the Pueblo of Sandia on the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Board of Commissioners
- Utilized tools such as "Art of the Native View" and "The Rez, The Futures Game," to facilitate community and organizational strategic and scenario planning sessions
Board of Directors Chair and CEO
Antithesis Research
Rio Rancho, NM
10.2008 - 05.2015
- Co-founded and grew non-profit organization from three-person Board to 14-member team and $1.5M budget
- Introduced development of Spokane Tribe's first comprehensive plan with bottom-up approach while serving as the Project Principle for the Spokane Tribe of Indians
- Developed and implemented extensive community outreach efforts - Held Charrettes, hosted static displays, facilitated informational meeting, hosted community day events, formed and monitored Youth for Sustainable Future effort utilizing digital storytelling
- Design Charrette ensured walkability, public safety such as lit walkways and proximity to police department, sustainable development, and Indigenizing old BIA agency square in self-determination effort
- Responsible for fiscal management, fund sourcing, procurement, grant writing, reporting to funders, and grant compliance
- Planned and oversaw board meetings in accordance with governing documents
- Fostered relationships with stakeholders, promoting collaboration and partnership opportunities
- Represented organization at public events, advocating for its mission and values in community
- Regularly reported to Tribal Council, General Council, and various federal funding agencies on project progress (EPA, DOT, and HUD)
- Presented to ONAP and Tribes on sustainable development initiatives
- Collaborated with various Tribal Departments, Programs and Leadership in the areas of Housing and Transportation in WA and NM
Planning and Development Director
Pueblo of Jemez
Jemez Pueblo, NM
11.2012 - 03.2015
- Directed day-to-day operations of Planning and Development Department, including Economic Development and Transportation/Roads Maintenance Divisions and associated Program Managers, indirect reports and consultants and contractors
- Led development and implementation of infrastructure plans, capital outlay, transportation improvement programs, community & economic development (CEDS) and land use plans
- Coordinated development projects with contractors and consultants, Tribal Administration, Public Works, Housing, Tribal Enterprises, Environment, FHWA, USDA, local transportation organizations and local utility companies. Reported progress to Tribal Council.
- Conducted community needs assessments and policy writing for all Department Programs
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy
- Managed over $4M in budgets, including PL-638 contract, effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability
- Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback for underperforming areas
- Coordinated Pueblo-wide FEMA disaster mitigation due to flood event
- Negotiated grant agreements with projects that had lapsed due to Department vacancies
- Development and implementation of uniform commercial code
- Utilized tools such as "Art of the Native View" and "The Rez, The Futures Game," to facilitate community and organizational strategic and scenario planning sessions
Planning and Economic Development Director
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Wellpinit, WA
08.2011 - 09.2012
- Reorganized the organizational structure for the Planning and Economic Development Department via approval from Tribal Council
- Managed four direct reports, three indirect reports, and coordinated with various stakeholders to advance casino development
- Secured and managed over $8M for development projects, transit, economic development, and planning
- Further refined the development and implementation of the Tribal Transit Program
- Conducted community needs assessments and policy writing for all Department Programs
- Established departmental performance goals and provided feedback for underperforming areas.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
Tribal Transit Manager
Spokane Tribe of Indians
Wellpinit, WA
01.2008 - 08.2011
- Secured over $500K in grants, enhancing tribal transit program operations.
- Coordinated start-up of three transit routes and employee van pool initiatives.
- Developed policies ensuring compliance with federal and state transit regulations.
- Managed annual budget for transit program, optimizing resource allocation.
- Collaborated with regional organizations to administer Tribal Transit Program effectively.
- Supervised three direct reports, fostering team development and operational efficiency.
- Conducted needs assessment utilizing various methods and outreach throughout the community
Education
Master of Arts - Urban and Regional Planning; Tribal Planning Emphasis
Eastern Washington University
Spokane, WA08.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies; Business Administration, Biology and Urban and Regional Planning Emphasis
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA12.2008
Skills
- Short- and Long-Term Strategic Planning
- Change Leader in Community and Economic Development
- Professional Team Leadership - Awarded "Best Leader"
- Technologically Savvy - Incorporate New Technologies
Affiliations
- McNair Scholar
- Eisenhower Fellow
- American Indian Business Leaders
- American Planning Association
- American Public Works Association
- Indigenous Leadership Academy - Cohort 2024
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society
Quote
“Tribal self-governance is the heartbeat of sovereignty, where the rhythm of tradition harmonizes with the melody of progress.”
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