Meet the Candidates

We are excited to introduce the candidates running for positions on the Tribal Convenience Store Association (TCSA) Board of Directors!

Voting Information

Each Member Tribe is entitled to a single vote for their preferred candidate. The primary representative of each Tribe will receive a ballot by email on Tuesday, July 15. Please ensure that your ballot is submitted by August 15 to ensure your vote is counted!

Below, you’ll find brief candidate statements from those running for the four open positions: Chairperson, Treasurer, and At-Large Member (2). The elected directors will serve a two-year term, from September 2025 – August 2027.

If you have any questions regarding the election process or need further assistance, feel free to email or call us at (253) 525-5139. Thank you for your participation in shaping the future of the TCSA!

Current TCSA Board Members

Candidates

Chairperson: Isaiah Coley+

TCSA Member: Squaxin Island Tribe (WA)

With over 26 years of experience in Tribal Enterprises, my journey began with the Squaxin Island Tribe—and I’m proud to say I’ve come full circle, now back home with Island Enterprises. Throughout my career, I have developed strong management and consulting skills, grounded in a deep understanding of tribal businesses and their relationship with state regulations.

As the current TCSA Board Secretary, I’ve remained committed to our shared mission of "Tribes Helping Tribes." Now, I respectfully seek your support as I run for Board Chair. I believe I can offer a fresh perspective while honoring the vision and values of our founders.

I had the privilege of being mentored by the late Ron Myers, who instilled in me a lasting lesson: never lose sight of the people doing the work. His guidance continues to shape my approach to leadership.

We have a responsibility to our communities—to ensure economic stability and opportunity for generations to come. It would be an honor to continue serving in this capacity and contribute to that vital mission.

Thank you all for your time and consideration.

Treasurer: Frank Black+

TCSA Member: Suquamish Tribe (WA)

Hello, my name is Frank Black and I am running for the Treasurer Board position. I am currently the Retail Director for the Suquamish Tribe and supervise their five c-stores. I have been in this position for 15 years. I have been in the C-store arena for 40 years serving as site manager and district manager for several large companies. I also served as Retail Director for the Spokane Tribe before coming to Suquamish. I have previously served 3 terms as an “At-Large” board member and have remained active with the Board for the last couple of years. It would be a pleasure to again serve on the Board and help this organization continue to flourish and grow. I would greatly appreciate your vote.

At-Large Member: Angela Young-Geffre+

TCSA Member: Pueblo of Zia (NM)

My name is Angela Young-Geffre, and I am honored to be a candidate for the At-Large Member position at TCSA. I am an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Currently, I have the privilege of serving as the Tribal Administrator for the Pueblo of Zia in New Mexico. In this role, I lead initiatives aimed at enhancing our community’s administrative efficiency and fostering economic development. I am deeply committed to supporting our tribal values while driving strategic growth that benefits our members and strengthens our cultural heritage. I possess a long-standing commitment to serving Native American tribes and organizations, supported by over 30 years of diverse leadership and program development experience, alongside a strong foundation in non-profit business. Notably, I have dedicated 21 of those years to urban Indian healthcare services, where I had the honor of serving on the board of directors for the National Council of Urban Indian Health in Washington, D.C.

Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to discover TCSA and successfully registered the Pueblo of Zia as a new member. I am actively spearheading the initiative to create a promising business venture for the tribe by developing their very first convenience store. This project aims not only to provide essential goods and services to the community but also to foster economic growth and self-sufficiency within the tribe. The Tribal Convenience Store Association (TCSA) serves as an invaluable resource for tribes that either currently operate convenience stores or are in the process of establishing one. With its comprehensive support and advocacy, the TCSA offers essential tools, resources, and networking opportunities that empower tribal enterprises to thrive in today’s competitive market. If I am elected to serve on the board, I would be honored to represent the Southwest region and the state of Oklahoma, passionately promoting the significant advantages of TCSA membership. I believe that by sharing success stories and best practices from our communities, I can help raise awareness about the potential growth and prosperity that effective convenience store operations can bring to our tribes. Together, we can foster a stronger economic future for our communities through collaboration and the sharing of resources. I am recognized for my strong integrity, unwavering dedication, and commitment to teamwork. In my role as an At-Large member, I strive to consistently embody these values. I believe that cultivating a friendly and engaging atmosphere is crucial for encouraging collaboration and inclusivity among all members. My goal is to ensure that everyone feels valued and heard, as I work together with others to achieve common objectives. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, I aim to create an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and our collective strengths can shine.

If elected, my primary goals will be to foster stronger member engagement, actively assist in recruiting new members and sponsors, participate fully in all meetings, and offer support wherever it is most needed. I believe that by prioritizing teamwork and collaboration, we can make meaningful strides toward our objectives and continue to expand the TCSA community. Together, we can create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our collective success.

Thank you for considering my application. I am sincerely enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve TCSA and to collaborate with all stakeholders in our endeavor to create a brighter and more prosperous future for our community. I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to help realize our shared objectives and to enhance our collective success. I greatly appreciate your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to work together.

At-Large Member: Audelia Araiza+

TCSA Member: Squaxin Island Tribe

I am writing to formally confirm my nomination to serve as a Member At-Large on the Tribal Convenience Store Association Board. I am deeply honored by this opportunity and excited about the possibility of contributing to an organization that plays such a vital role in supporting tribal enterprises.

As a proud Squaxin Island Tribal member, I have dedicated the past 15 years to serving our community through my work at the Kamilche Trading Post. Starting as a part-time customer service associate, I’ve grown into my current role as Retail director; a journey that has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within tribal retail operations.

Beyond my professional experience, I am an active community member, regularly volunteering at events and supporting our elders. I am passionate about giving back and helping strengthen the connections that make our communities thrive.

I am especially excited about the chance to work alongside the TCSA team and help bring the organization back to its roots, where it all started. Having worked under the leadership of Ron Myers, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that strong, community-focused leadership can have, and I hope to carry that spirit forward in this role.

Thank you again for this nomination. I look forward to learning more about the responsibilities of this position and how I can best serve the TCSA and its member communities.

At-Large Member: Debra Powless+

TCSA Member: Oneida Nation (WI)

As an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin, I am submitting my candidacy for an At-Large position with TCSA. It is vital to have Nation to Nation discussions and continuing inter-action coordination. I support:

Sovereign Sustainability and building Economic Security - Nation to Nation.
Together we stand and united we achieve, and I would serve as a bridge between the Midwest and Northwest sharing ideas and perspectives in creating strategic strategy.
Share Economic Development initiatives between Nations to further maximize profits and increase revenue generation as part of the Ec. Sustainability agenda all Nations are charged with.
Continue to work towards improving communication, coordination and interaction amongst nations.
Work together to address local, state, federal matters of shared interest thereby increasing networking capabilities among the member representatives.

I have 35+ years of Tribal management experience including most recent the Retail General Manager over 7 C-Stores and 3-Smoke Shops in Oneida, WI. I have worked with a 14-Tribal consortium in California in six counties for over 10 years. Within Oneida, I have served in varied Director positions.

Most recently, I have transitioned to a new position Director Commerce Development with Oneida to work towards developing a comprehensive commerce for new revenue-generating business opportunities to benefit the Oneida Nation members now and into the future. I also possess a MS-Community Ec. Development and Business degree.

At-Large Member: Mike Araiza+

TCSA Sponsor: Skookum Creek Tobacco Company (WA)

Hello,

My name is Mike Araiza. I am a Squaxin Island Tribal Member and the General Manager of Skookum Creek Tobacco. I am running for re-election as a Member At Large for the Tribal Convenience Store Association Board of Directors.

I have been part of the Scholarship Sub-Committee and enjoy learning more about Tribal Enterprises in Indian Country.

I seek re-election to continue learning as well as helping members learn and grow. I feel that continuing to educate and share ideas is an effective way to help tribes and tribal businesses achieve success.

At-Large Member: Ronald Rhea+

TCSA Member: Soboba Economic Development Corporation (CA)

It is with sincere respect and enthusiasm that I submit my candidacy for the Tribal Convenience Store Association (TCSA) Board of Directors. As TCSA enters a pivotal stage of growth, I am eager to contribute my leadership experience and operational expertise to help strengthen the Association’s mission: fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and identifying new opportunities for Tribal enterprise development.

Throughout my career as a military veteran, executive leader, and now Director of Operations at Soboba Economic Development Corporation, I have consistently focused on building systems that support sustainable growth, organizational excellence, and long-term strategic planning. My professional background spans over 14 years in military service, where I led complex operations in facilities management, human resources, and emergency services, followed by leadership roles in Tribal economic development. These experiences have given me a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face Tribal-owned businesses, particularly in the retail and convenience sectors.

TCSA’s progress in formalizing its structure and securing operating funds through membership dues and sponsorships has created exciting new possibilities. The addition of staff, a strategic plan, and enhanced communication tools demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, one I fully support and am well-prepared to advance. I believe the next chapter for TCSA involves deeper integration with industry leaders, strategic growth of the peer network, and exploration of scalable business opportunities for member Tribes.

My commitment to service, transparency, and results aligns strongly with TCSA’s values. I bring a collaborative leadership style, a proven ability to manage large-scale operations, and a deep respect for the sovereignty and unique business objectives of Tribal nations. If elected, I will work diligently with my fellow board members to ensure the Association continues to grow in value, visibility, and impact for all members.

Thank you for your consideration.