TCC names Joy Huntington Government Affairs Director

Tanana Chiefs Conference named Joy Huntington its Government Affairs Director on Tuesday, putting a former TCC lobbyist in charge of state and federal advocacy for the consortium's Interior Alaska member tribes.

Huntington is Caribou Clan and has deep roots in the TCC region. She is the daughter of Dorothy (Woods) Shockley of Manley Hot Springs and the late Barry Shockley of Kansas City, Missouri, and the granddaughter of the late Judy (Starr) Woods of Tanana and the late Walter Woods of Rampart. She holds degrees in Native American Studies and Environmental Studies from Dartmouth College and brings more than 24 years of experience in government relations, strategic communications, and advocacy. Throughout her career she has worked closely with tribes and tribal organizations across Alaska. She previously led TCC's lobbying work in Juneau on behalf of member tribes.

In her new role she will direct TCC's government relations work at both the state and federal levels. TCC said in its announcement that her experience and commitment to tribal communities would help advance tribal priorities and strengthen partnerships.

Amanda Tritt, introducing Huntington in June 22 TCC Weekly coverage, said: "She has previously served TCC as our lobbyist, successfully leading advocacy efforts in Juneau on behalf of our members tribes. We are excited to welcome Joy to this leadership position and look forward to her contributions as we work together toward healthy, strong, unified tribes."

The appointment is one of several leadership moves TCC announced Tuesday. The organization also named Doreen Joseph as Director of Tribal Priorities Advancement, with Joseph set to begin full-time on Aug. 3. Separately, TCC announced a Health Services leadership realignment, appointing Jacoline Bergstrom as Executive Director of Health Administrative Services and Marilyn Andon as Executive Director of Clinical Health Services.

Tribal consortia across Indian Country have increasingly invested in formal government affairs offices to strengthen their voice in state and federal policy decisions affecting tribal sovereignty, health, and economic development.