Board of Directors
ATNI-EDC is guided by a dedicated board that sets the priorities and the vision for the organization. The board is comprised of professionals that are involved with ATNI and Pacific Northwest Native American interests and stem from the financial, legal, and education communities. Board members may be reappointed without limitation to the number of terms they may serve.
President
J. Dave Tovey (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation)
Term expiration: 2022
Vice-President
Jack Lenox (Coquille Indian Tribe)
Term expiration: 2022
Treasurer
Justin Parker (Makah Tribe)
Term expiration: 2022
Secretary
Sharon Goudy (Yakama Nation)
Term expiration: 2023
Members at Large
Antone Minthorn (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation)
Term expiration: 2022
Bill Tovey (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation)
Term expiration: 2022
Heidi Khokhar (non-tribally affiliated)
Term expiration: 2022
Ted Piccolo (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation)
Term expiration: 2023
Ann McCormack (Nez Perce Tribe)
Term expiration: 2022
Staff
Interim Executive Director
Natalie Charley
nataliec@atniedc.com
Natalie Charley, currently serving as Interim Executive Director of ATNI-EDC, was the founding Executive Director of Taala Fund, a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) from 2009 to 2021.
As the Executive Director, Natalie developed Taala Fund into a growing nonprofit loan fund that also provides training and technical assistance through the newly created Cedar Root Business Center. Natalie continues to serve Taala Fund as needed during the transition of their new Executive Director.
Natalie is passionate about overcoming challenges and pursuing opportunities for Tribes and Native communities. Since she graduated from the University of Washington (BA in Business Administration) Natalie has held the positions of education manager, seafood processing plant manager, policy coordinator, policy advisor to the QIN President, Tribal Councilwoman, resort and casino marketing director, small business trainer, economic and community development consultant, economic planner, strategic planning (including CEDS), and Taala Fund Executive Director.
Each of these positions has afforded her the opportunity to develop a unique set of skills to assist organizations and tribes to improve their economic and governmental positions. Accomplishments: created a new reservation-based post-secondary program with Evergreen College; led a team to create the Tribe’s own tribal TANF program; as councilperson, spearheaded the creation of a separate enterprise board; led the creation of Taala Fund.
Loan Officer
Guy Belfiore (Non-Tribal)
Guy Belfiore grew up in Southern Oregon. After attending Southern Oregon University, Guy relocated to Portland and for the last 20 years has been working in Consumer and Mortgage Lending specifically as a Loan Officer, Finance Manager and Credit Analyst. He joined ATNI-EDC as a Loan Officer in August of 2021.
He enjoys all the various outdoor activities the Pacific NW has to offer along with his wife Lisa and dog Maddi.
He is grateful and excited to be a part of ATNI-EDC and is looking forward to assisting and contributing to the long-term growth and success of our Native American businesses and families.
Business Development Specialist
Casey Pearlman (Inupiaq descendant, she/her pronouns)
Casey Pearlman is an Inupiaq descendant and the Business Development Specialist here at ATNI-EDC. She graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Business Management and Human Resource Management. While in school she completed a variety of internships, one with the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board and two through the Emerging Leaders Internship Program where she interned with both the edible insect startup Poda Foods Inc. as well as the non-profit VertueLabs, which provides funding and holistic support to cleantech startups. During this time she also volunteered with KairosPDX, a flagship community school in Portland working to dismantle systemic racism in education and beyond. After graduation she continued to work with business owners from diverse backgrounds with a particular interest in emerging industries.
She identifies as an ‘entrepreneur enthusiast’ and is thrilled to serve Native businesses and support their growth. She looks forward to connecting with this vibrant community and exploring how we can strengthen our businesses and economies collaboratively and achieve our collective goals.
Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation 