Our leadership

(Tlingit) Board Chair

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development

N. Iris Friday is the Board Chair of the Seattle Indian Services Commission and a Native American Program Specialist at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  She brings decades of experience advancing affordable housing and asset-building in  Tribal communities across the country. A nationally recognized expert on Native housing and financial empowerment, Iris has also served in leadership roles with the Native Action Network, the Center for Women and Democracy, and the Seattle Tlingit and Haida Community Council. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Washington and a Master of Public Administration in Tribal Governance from Evergreen State College.

(Apache )

Governing Council Position #2

Robert E. Howard is a citizen of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and was born and raised in both Seattle, WA, and on his tribe’s reservation in Arizona. He currently serves as the Tribal Liaison for Elevance Health – WellPoint in Washington, engaging with all 29 federally recognized Tribes in Washington State. Robert has over 20 years of leadership in Tribal governance, operations, and economic development. His career spans service as a Tribal Councilman, Vice Chairman, and Administrative Advisor for the San Carlos Apache Tribe, as well as executive roles in Tribal enterprises and managed care. With deep expertise in  Tribal Sovereignty and a strong network among Tribal and public sector leaders, Robert is a dedicated advocate for Native self-determination and sustainable development.

(Vacant)

Email us at: info@seattleindianservices.org for more information on how to serve on SISC’s governing Council.

(White Earth Band of the Chippewa Tribe)

Governing Council Position #4

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington

Michael L. Reichert is President Emeritus and previously served as President and CEO of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington, overseeing a staff of over 4,100 and combined budgets exceeding $300 million. An enrolled member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe,  White Earth Reservation, Michael has extensive experience in housing, human services,  and Tribal affairs. He has held leadership roles with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, served as a Commissioner for the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, and helped found the Low-Income Housing Institute. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to social equity and service in Native and underserved communities.

(Navajo) Treasurer

Governing Council Member #5

Misha Y. Rodarte is a Commercial Real Estate Broker with Legacy Commercial in  Bellevue, WA, and currently serves as Treasurer of the Seattle Indian Services Commission.  With more than eight years of experience in real estate and a background in legal administration, she also brings strong community leadership through her service as Vice  President of Native Action Network. A University of Washington graduate with a degree in American Indian Studies, Misha is passionate about empowering Indigenous women, civic engagement, and advancing community-based economic development.