Riley Vierra
Ketchikan
Summary
Resourceful Special Projects Assistant known for high productivity and efficient completion of tasks. Possess expertise in project management, data analysis, and strategic planning. Excel in time management, problem-solving, and communication, ensuring seamless coordination across teams and successful project outcomes.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
2022
2022
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Special Projects Assistant Planning department
Ketchikan Indian Community
Ketchikan
01.2025 - Current
- Support Tribal infrastructure, facilities, and community development initiatives from early planning through implementation, aligning projects with funding requirements, compliance standards, and legislative priorities.
- Draft project narratives, budgets, schedules, and supporting documentation for federal and state grants (including EDA), contributing to competitive funding applications and implementation readiness.
- Coordinate cross-departmental efforts between Planning, Finance, Housing, Maintenance, Cultural Resources, and Social Services to advance capital projects and workforce development initiatives.
- Prepare briefing materials, summaries, and written communications for Tribal leadership to support informed decision-making and external partner engagement.
- Assist with procurement processes, RFP development, and vendor coordination in accordance with Tribal policy and federal grant compliance.
- Collaborate regularly with Tribal Council, administrative leadership, and external agencies to move projects forward while maintaining transparency, accountability, and regulatory alignment.
- Track project milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements to ensure grant compliance and timely execution.
- Support economic development initiatives including small business incubation, artist markets, retail development, and tourism-related programming to increase local revenue and employment.
- Serve as liaison between internal departments and external partners (contractors, agencies, utilities, and community stakeholders), helping resolve operational issues and maintain project momentum.
- Contribute to policy implementation by translating adopted Tribal priorities into actionable programs, budgets, and timelines.
- Support Tribal government operations through grant development, budget coordination, procurement compliance, and interdepartmental project management.
- Assist in translating community needs into funded programs by developing project scopes aligned with federal, state, and Tribal priorities.
- Provide staff-level support for leadership communications, grant applications, and external agency coordination.
- Help ensure projects meet regulatory requirements while advancing economic development and community resilience goals.
Nursing Assistant
Peace Health Medical Center
Ketchikan
12.2023 - 12.2024
- Assisted nursing staff by providing direct patient care, ensuring comfort and safety during recovery processes.
- Helped maintain a clean and organized environment, contributing to high standards of patient safety and satisfaction.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff, promoting timely interventions for patient health.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
University Alaska Southeast
Ketchikan, AK 07.2021 - 05.2023
Pace Correspondence
Ketchikan, AKSkills
- Project management
- Policy writer and program support
- Government & Tribal Affairs Support
- Compliance tracking
- Community Outreach & Constituent Support
Accomplishments
UA Scholars award
Affiliations
South Tongass Alliance Deacon
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Projects Assistant Planning department
Ketchikan Indian Community
01.2025 - Current
Nursing Assistant
Peace Health Medical Center
12.2023 - 12.2024
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
University Alaska Southeast
07.2021 - 05.2023
Pace Correspondence