Advisory Board
Our economic development mission is clear in the legal definition of a Community Development Entity (CDE). A CDE must have a primary mission of serving low income communities (LIC), and it must be accountable to those communities.
Travois’ advisory board sets high standards of accountability and helps us stay focused on our triple bottom line.
Board Members
Jason Evans (Inupiaq Eskimo), founder of Financial Alaska
Mr. Evans is the founder of Financial Alaska, a business consulting firm that specializes in business finance, project feasibility, economic and regional development, accounting and record keeping, and mergers and acquisitions. He also serves as president and CEO of Rural Energy Enterprises, a wholesale distributor that provides many heating and outdoor products that are cost effective and energy efficient. In addition, he is the owner and publisher of The Arctic Sounder, The Bristol Bay Times and The Dutch Harbor Fisherman. He serves as treasurer and director of Sitnasuak Native Corporation and is a board member of Bering Straits Native Corporation. Mr. Evans provides Travois with valuable economic development experience, primarily in Alaska, but also throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Gabe Galanda (Round Valley), founding partner of Galanda Broadman
Mr. Galanda is a founding partner of Galanda Broadman, a law firm that focuses on a wide range of business and governmental issues, which was ranked in Tier 1 in the 2013 edition of U.S. News-Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” in Native American law. Mr. Galanda’s perspective as a well-respected Indian Country thinker helps guide Travois New Markets as we set strategic goals. His experience as a small business owner helps our CDE pursue initiatives that support wealth creation and entrepreneurship. Mr. Galanda has published articles on Indian Country legal issues in numerous publications including National Law Journal, Business Law Today and Indian Country Today; he has been named to U.S News & World Report “Best Lawyers in America” list seven years in a row; and he was given the “Difference Maker Award” by the American Bar Association in 2012. Before founding Galanda Broadman, he practiced for 10 years with Williams Kastner, a large regional corporate firm. At Williams Kastner he was the youngest lawyer ever to be elected to the firm’s membership and to serve on its board of directors. Mr. Galanda is a member of the International Advisory Council of the Native Nations Institute.
Lance Morgan (Winnebago), president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc.
Ho-Chunk Inc. is the economic development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. This international company focuses on creating sustainable non-gaming businesses, including retail, hospitality, construction, home manufacturing, technology, government contracting and logistics. Mr. Morgan’s experience with this and other Indian Country economic development organizations makes him a valuable advisor. In addition to his work with Ho-Chunk, he is an attorney and a member of the Federal Reserve Bank’s community advisory council.
Laurel Vermillion, Ph.D. (Standing Rock Sioux), president of Sitting Bull College
Dr. Vermillion is the leader of one of America’s most progressive tribal colleges and board member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. She is a lifelong educator who has taught at various levels of the school system; her career has focused on education in Indian Country. She is a graduate of Sitting Bull College and also holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of North Dakota. She joined the Travois New Markets advisory board because she sees the connection between higher education and economic development in Indian Country. She brings a critical perspective on the horizon for American Indian higher education that will benefit Travois New Markets and our clients.
Annette Hamilton (Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas), vice president and chief operating officer of Ho-Chunk, Inc.
Ms. Hamilton oversees the daily operations of the subsidiary companies of Ho-Chunk, Inc., a tribally owned development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. She joined Ho-Chunk, Inc. in 2001 as chief financial officer and was promoted to COO in 2004. She is responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting and corporate business plans. She appraises and makes executive decisions on prospective corporate acquisitions and expansion. Her business and economic development experience will help guide Travois New Markets as it decides where to direct private investments throughout Indian Country. Hamilton also serves as president of the Native American Contractors Association and advocates for Native American participation in federal contracting programs. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center. Hamilton earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota.