The AICAF Board of Directors is made up of Native leaders from across the nation. All board members are elected through a nomination process. Board members serve in many professional and volunteer capacities. They are devoted to improving and strengthening Native communities. These individuals bring an impressive set of skills, energy, passion, and connections that help the Foundation further its mission.
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Treasurer
Secretary
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Melissa was appointed CEO in 2021. Prior to that, she served AICAF in several positions that included Interim CEO, Deputy Director, and Cancer Equity Manager. Prior to joining AICAF, she held positions at Sanford Health, Volunteers of America, the Administration for Native Americans in Washington, D.C. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Child Psychology and American Indian Studies from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Science in Human Development from South Dakota State University. Originally from South Dakota, Melissa is an enrolled member of the Meskwaki Nation in Iowa and Dakota from the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Sioux Tribes.
Deputy Director
Deputy Director
CoCo joined AICAF in 2021 as the Health Equity Manager. In 2024, she was promoted to Deputy Director. Prior to that she held positions at ClearWay Minnesota and her home tribal community focusing on policy change and education around traditional tobacco. As Deputy Director, CoCo provides oversight and support to all AICAF programming. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Metropolitan State University and an Associate of Arts in Human Services from Fort Peck Community College. In her free time, CoCo loves spending time with her family.
Research Assistant
Research Assistant
Madison joined AICAF in 2018. Prior to joining AICAF she interned at Unity Health Care and currently also provides services as a Tribal Public Health System Consultant to the Minnesota Department of Health. In her role as a Research Assistant, Madison assists with study design and collecting, analyzing, and disseminating research about the behavioral risk factors of cancer in American Indians. Madison holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Epidemiology from the University of Minnesota as well as a Master of Public Health in Community Orientated Primary Care from George Washington University.
Communications Manager
Communications Manager
Brittany joined AICAF in March 2025. Prior to AICAF, she worked in tribal gaming marketing as an Advertising Supervisor. In her role as Communications Project Manager, Brittany oversees the communications and marketing strategies for AICAF, including social/digital media, email marketing, and print media. Brittany holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Lake Superior State University and is an enrolled member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. She has a passion for advocacy and tribal relations. During her free time, she enjoys live music, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and dogs.
Office Administrator
Office Administrator
Sam joined AICAF in 2019. Prior to that, she held various roles in finance, administration, and project management. In her role as Office Administrator, Sam is responsible for providing administrative, finance and clerical support to teams and managers. She is a graduate of Northern Michigan University where she earned an associate degree in business. In her free time, Sam enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors and cooking.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist
Emily joined AICAF in 2023. Prior to that, she held positions at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and the Philadelphia Fire Department and Philadelphia Department of Public Health. In her role at AICAF, she provides data support to the Cancer Programs team for various projects and uses data to set appropriate goals and measure progress on grant activities. Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Drexel University and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Pittsburgh. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, spending time with friends and family, and trying out new restaurants.
Cancer Program Specialist
Cancer Program Specialist
LaToya joined AICAF in 2025. Prior to that, she worked for a non-profit as a Program Manager. In her role as a Cancer Program Specialist, LaToya is responsible for working with the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). She holds a Master of Public Health from South Dakota State University and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Mental Health Services from South Dakota State University. LaToya is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, running, hiking, and traveling.
Cancer Programs Specialist
Cancer Programs Specialist
Melissa joined AICAF in 2023. Prior to that, she worked for Presentation College in various roles. In her role as Cancer Program Specialist, Melissa is responsible for working with the Minnesota Department of Health programs. She holds her master’s in legal studies – Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma as well as her Bachelor’s and Associate’s in Human Services degrees from Sitting Bull College. Melissa is a member of the Húŋkpapȟa (Standing Rock) and Isáŋyathi (Santee) Nations. In her free time, Melissa loves to spend time with her family and friends, travel and work on various beadwork projects.
Nurse Project Manager
Nurse Project Manager
Jessica joined AICAF in 2024. Prior to that, she held positions as an operating room circulator nurse, a nurse manager over women’s health and colorectal screening initiatives at an urban Indian health facility, and a cardiac care nurse. In her role as Nurse Project Manager, Jessica is responsible for working with the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Jessica holds a Master of Healthcare Administration degree from Oklahoma State University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Oklahoma. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, trying out new restaurants, and reading.
REACH Project Coordinator
REACH Project Coordinator
Indigenous Evaluation Specialist
Indigenous Evaluation Specialist
Faith joined AICAF in 2023. Prior to that she held several roles at Dream of Wild Health and served as an AmeriCorps fellow working to advance Indigenous Health Equity. In her role as Indigenous Evaluation Specialist, Faith supports the work of all teams and programs by leading the development of evaluation plans and logic models to document relationships among resources, activities, outputs, outcomes, and the impact of AICAF efforts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Saint Benedict in Biology and Peace Studies with a concentration in Indigenous Health Equity. Faith is a member of the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation. In her free time, Faith enjoys dancing, beading, bouldering, outdoor activities, and time with family and friends.
Research Coordinator
Research Coordinator
McKinley (Mac) joined AICAF in 2021. In his role as Research Coordinator, Mac collaborates with other AICAF staff to coordinate community-based research projects including gathering data, developing IRB applications, and analyzing study results. Mac holds a bachelor’s degree in health and human physiology from the University of Iowa. Mac is from the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering, outdoor activities, game nights with friends, and watching sports with family.
Executive Assistant to the CEO, Project Coordinator, & Event Lead
Executive Assistant to the CEO, Project Coordinator, & Event Lead
Veronica joined AICAF in August 2025. Prior to AICAF, she worked as a Program Associate for NDN Collective and as a Tobacco Prevention Advocate at the Ain Dah Yung Center. In her role as Executive Assistant to the CEO, Program Coordinator, and Event Lead, Veronica provides administrative support to the CEO, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the CEO’s office. She supports the Creating Connections Project by providing technical assistance to the Program Manager, coordinating with communications staff, and managing project activities and events. Additionally, she leads event planning and coordination under the direction of the CEO, collaborating with event committees to plan and execute both large and small events throughout the year. Veronica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare with a Certificate in American Indian Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. In her free time, Veronica enjoys fitness and working out, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Finance Manager
Finance Manager
Holly joined AICAF in 2023 as a contractor. In July 2025, Holly joined our team full-time as the Finance Manager. Prior to working for AICAF, she has held many Finance Manager positions within a variety of nonprofits. In her role as Finance Manager, Holly is responsible for ensuring that AICAF’s financial records comply with generally accepted accounting principles and ensuring the financial health and accountability of AICAF. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where she earned a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Accounting and Business Administration. In her free time, Holly enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Program Director
Program Director
Lindsey joined AICAF in 2020 as the Cancer Programs Manager. Before that, she was in the Public Health Department for the Bad River Tribe. In 2024, Lindsey was promoted to Program Director. In her role as Program Director, Lindsey is responsible for ensuring that current programming complies with goals, objectives, and deadlines, assisting with grant writing and providing visionary guidance for expanding future programming initiatives. She is a Western Governors University graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Education and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University. She also has an associate’s degree as a Registered Nurse from Gogebic Community College. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband and children and exploring the local lakes and forests.
Program Director
Program Director
Wyatt joined AICAF in 2020. Prior to that, he held positions at the Urban Indian Health Institute Sanford Health and was a fellow at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. In his role as the Research Manager, Wyatt provides oversight and guidance to the research team and provides support on some evaluation projects. He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies from the University of South Dakota, and also a Master of Public Health in community-oriented public health practice from the University of Washington. Wyatt is Húŋkpati Dakota from Crow Creek, South Dakota. In his free time, Wyatt enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Director of Operations
Director of Operations
Jen joined AICAF in 2022. Prior to that, she held positions with the State of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota, and also as an independent Project Manager. In her role as Operations and Human Resources Manager, Jen oversees AICAF’s daily operations and manages employee recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes. She is dedicated to cultivating a positive work culture and supporting the professional growth of our team members. Jen holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Policy, Leadership, and Development from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies and History from the University of Wisconsin. In her free time, Jen enjoys traveling, cooking, and tackling home renovation projects.
Project Manager
Project Manager
REACH Project Manager
REACH Project Manager
Jennifer joined AICAF in October 2025. Prior to that, she worked as a Social Services Manager for an Urban Indian Health facility. In her role as REACH Program Coordinator, Jennifer works with the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Program. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Oklahoma and an Associate of Arts in Sociology from Oklahoma City Community College. Jennifer is an enrolled tribal member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma. In her free time, she enjoys watching college sports, true crime documentaries, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her English Bulldog, Apollo.
Development Manager
Tim joined ACAIF in February 2026 as Development Manager. He leads fundraising strategy, builds strong donor relationships, and advances the mission through thoughtful stewardship and real community connection.
He brings more than 16 years of mission-driven fundraising experience, strengthening partnerships and securing resources that create lasting impact. Tim is a member of the Pawnee Tribe and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. He believes fundraising is about people first—shared values, shared purpose, and the chance to make a meaningful difference together.
Outside of work, Tim enjoys time on the golf course, making memories with his grandson, walking his Golden Retrievers, and drifting on Pewaukee Lake—where he finds rest, reflection, and gratitude for the simple gifts of family, friends, and faith.
Board of Directors The AICAF Board of Directors is made up of Native leaders from across the nation. All board members are elected through a nomination process. Board members serve in many professional and volunteer capacities. They are devoted to improving and strengthening Native communities. These individuals bring an impressive set of skills, energy, passion, […]