Board of Directors

Chair

With a powerful and thoughtful style of leadership, Chairwoman Teri Gobin leads the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors with a focus on building community, improving health outcomes, supporting economic prosperity, and strengthening Tribal sovereignty.

Teri is proud to carry on the legacy of her late father, Stan Jones Sr., who served on the Board for 44 years, with 26 of those years as Chairman. He was instrumental in shaping who she is as a leader. Teri states that he taught her to, “Always lead with my heart and treat all people with respect and compassion”.

Teri has spent the past four decades influencing economic development, employment, and treaty rights for Indian Country. For most of her career, Teri passionately led as the Director of the Tulalip’s Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) department, and contributed greatly to the development of a nationally recognized trade school

Teri is deeply rooted in her culture. She participates in teaching the youth traditional songs and cultural ceremonies that have been passed down for generations. Previously, Teri owned and operated a commercial fishing boat for many years, which gives her the expertise to relate to her fellow Coast Salish people who rely on the waterways and salmon for sustenance.

Teri lives happily on the Tulalip Reservation with her husband Billy. They have 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Teri is proud to lead the Tribe and it’s 5,300 + Tribal Membership. Teri will always have the best interest of her people in mind along with the future generations to come.

Vice Chair

A proud Tulalip citizen dedicated to seeing his Tribe and all its members thrive to the best of their abilities, Hazen is honored to be serving his second term as a Board of Director. The middle child of nine siblings born to parents Rocky and Peggy Shopbell, Hazen learned at a young age the importance of family and staying grounded to his tribal roots. Hazen and his wife Tia Shopbell have been together for over a decade and together they are raising six culturally-minded children in the local Hermosa neighborhood. Being able to gaze upon the beautiful waters of Tulalip Bay every day is a gift the avid fisherman does not take for granted. Hazen has been exercising his inherent Treaty Rights as a Tulalip fisherman since a teenager and recalls falling in love with life on the water at just 14-years-old when he first connected with his ancestral fishing grounds. As a fisherman, Hazen learned the ins and outs of having a self-sustaining income and the importance of creating his business.

The entrepreneurial spirit runs through his veins and is most evident in the litany of businesses he’s created; such as seafood distribution, mobile automotive detailing, tapping into the vapor industry, and being a general contractor for a wide range of construction projects. Managing his own businesses hasn’t prevented the Tulalip citizen from experiencing the casino life grind either. In fact, Hazen worked 12 years at Tulalip Resort Casino in various positions for Security before transferring into Table Games. In the midst of working at the Casino, on the water fishing, and overseeing his own businesses, Hazen remained vigilant to read and research what the most successful business minds were up to. This allowed him to stay up to date with the latest happenings in Indian Country and beyond.

All the years writing and negotiating contracts, interpreting profit-loss statements, reconciling budgets, creating sustainable business models, and working with city, state and sovereign tribal governments make him an ideal Treasurer.

Remaining true to his Native American ancestry, Hazen routinely sweats and Sun Dances with his family. He always looks forward to fishing and geoduck diving season, especially as his kids become old enough to join him on the water and learn the value of a hard day’s work. Understanding the foresight of our ancestors who suffered and sacrifices for the benefit of their future generations, Hazen was a central figure in a recent rendition of the Fish Wars. In fact, he fought and won on behalf of all Coast Salish tribes against the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for the inherent rights to fish in our usual and accustomed areas. This incredibly important experience only strengthened Hazen’s resolve to uplift his people by increasing his capacity to advocate on behalf of Tulalip fisherman, entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking membership.

Secretary

Theresa Sheldon advocates for historical justice, civic engagement, upholding and strengthening tribal sovereignty, and trust responsibility. She has dedicated her career to empowering Native communities across Indian Country.

Theresa began her career as a dice dealer in tables games for the Tulalip Casino. After graduating with her Bachelor’s degree she accepted a position as a policy analyst for the Tulalip Tribes, where she served for seven years. She later served two terms as an elected representative on the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors. Theresa's experience in tribal governance and policy analysis has made her a valuable asset to many organizations, including the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians and the National Congress of American Indians.

In 2022, Theresa began her tenure as the Director of Policy and advocacy for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. She also served as the Native American Political Director for the Democratic National Committee from 2019 to 2022 and presided over the Biden-Harris Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) in 2021 as the Native American Director.

Theresa's advocacy work has not gone unnoticed. She has received several awards for her contributions, including the 26th Annual National Indian Women's Supporting Each Other "Woman of the Year" Honoree in 2022 and the Native Action Network Enduring Spirit Award in 2017. She was also recognized with the Pearl Capoeman-Baller Civic Participation Award in 2009 for her work with Native Vote WA by the Potlatch Fund.

Theresa has a Bachelor of Arts in Law & Diversity from Western Washington University. She enjoys pulling canoe on the Coast Salish Sea with her son in the summer, snowboard in the winter, and loves to gather traditional foods in the spring time.

Treasurer

Glen is a member of the Tulalip Tribes and has served on the Tulalip Tribal Council for over 18 years. Throughout his tenure, he has been a prominent figure on the Tribal Council's Business Committee, serving as the committee chairman for 17 years.

Glen also sits on the Quil Ceda Village Council, overseeing all business development and government operations. He also operated a successful construction business for over 20 years.

He is deeply committed to his cultural heritage. He continues engaging in lifelong traditions, such as fishing, while participating in various community activities, such as Salmon Ceremony.

Glen resides on the reservation with his family. He is dedicated to passing on the teachings he has learned to future generations.

With his extensive experience in business, community involvement, and cultural heritage, Glen is a valuable asset to the Tulalip Tribes and a respected leader within the community.

Council Member

Marlin Fryberg Jr. is a well-respected tribal leader and Native American business owner with decades of experience addressing complex issues in and around Indian Country. He has unique access to and special relationships with numerous tribal leaders across North America. A proud council member of the Tulalip Tribes with over a decade of experience, Marlin is passionate about his Native culture and continually gives his time to tribal youth as a coach and mentor. Marlin has served in every position on Tulalip Tribal Council but the Chairmanship. Marlin currently sits on the Business Committee, the Quil Ceda Village Council, and the Tulalip Tribal Federal Corporation board of directors.

Council Member

Ryan Miller brings over 20 years of experience in natural resources, environmental policy, and government affairs to his Tulalip Board of Directors role. A lifelong resident of the Tulalip Reservation and a descendant of Sarah and Robert Sheldon, Ryan is deeply rooted in the community he now serves in an elected leadership role.

Before joining the Board, Ryan led the Treaty Rights Office, coordinating technical and policy teams to defend Tulalip’s treaty-protected resources. He played a key role in government-to-government consultations, ensuring Tulalip’s rights were upheld in decisions affecting tribal lands, waters, and traditional practices.

Ryan holds a degree in Native Environmental Science from Northwest Indian College, focusing on sovereignty, treaty rights, and the government trust relationship. His work has consistently blended traditional knowledge with modern science to protect the natural resources vital to Tulalip’s future.

As a Board member, Ryan is committed to strengthening tribal sovereignty, protecting the environment, and ensuring a vibrant future for the next generations of Tulalip people.

Council Member

Deborah Parker, tsicyalt-sa, is a proud member of the Tulalip Tribes and a lifelong advocate for Indigenous rights, healing, and sovereignty. Deborah, the daughter of Terry Parker and Adelina Berger ("Mrs. Addy"), was raised in a loving and supportive Tulalip family. She is the devoted mother of Cedar (skaluus), Kayah (xáliya), and Wetuah. She honors the memory of her late husband, Myron, whose spirit continues to guide her leadership journey.

With over 30 years of service to Tulalip, she has held impactful roles across numerous departments and organizations, including the Tulalip Legal Department, Family Services, Tulalip Boys & Girls Club, Tulalip Education, KIF Health Clinic, Quil Ceda Village, and the Marysville School District.

Deborah served as the CEO of the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, where she has led transformative growth and healing initiatives. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing truth, justice, and healing for Native communities impacted by the legacy of boarding schools.

As the former Vice Chair of the Tulalip Board, Deborah has prioritized the voices of women, children, and elders. She played a pivotal role in the passage of the 2013 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), securing stronger protections and increased funding for Native communities. She is currently leading federal legislation for the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act, reintroduced in the U.S. Senate, which she helped draft from her home in Tulalip.

Her work defending tribal sovereignty includes securing water rights, protecting sacred lands, and advocating for the return of stolen lands and waterways. Deborah's vision is one of unity, healing, and resilience—honoring the teachings of her ancestors while building a sustainable and empowered future for generations to come.

BOD Recording Secretary II

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BOD Executive Admin Assistant

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Recording Secretary II

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Managing Attorney

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Interim Health System Administrator

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QCV General Manager

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TGO President

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CEO Tulalip Tribal Government

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BOD Executive Office Director

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Chief of Police

With over 35 years of dedicated law enforcement experience, Chief Shawn Ledford began his career in 1989 with the King County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy at the Federal Way Precinct. Throughout his career, he has held various roles, including field training officer, master police officer, and negotiator on the Hostage Negotiations Team. In 1995, he transitioned to the role of detective in the Special Assault Unit and later in Major Crimes

Promoted to sergeant in 1999, Shawn served at the Maple Valley Precinct. In 2001, he was appointed as the police chief for the City of Newcastle, a position he held for five years. His career continued to advance as he was promoted to captain in 2006, taking on assignments in patrol, administration, contracting, and criminal investigations.

In 2012, Shawn was promoted to major and selected as the police chief for the City of Shoreline, where he served for nearly a decade. By 2021, he had risen to the rank of division chief with the Sheriff’s Office, overseeing the Patrol Operations Division and the Criminal Investigations Division. In 2024, Shawn retired from the Sheriff’s Office to become the chief of the Tulalip Police Department.

As a proud member of the Tulalip Tribes, Chief Ledford is thrilled to serve his community. He is committed to treating all residents, both tribal and non-tribal, with fairness, equity, and professionalism while ensuring accountability for offenders.

Chief Ledford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and criminology from Western Washington University.