About Tigua, Inc
Tigua, Inc. was formed to help the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo achieve economic prosperity through better management of its existing businesses and investment in new economic development opportunities. In order for Tigua, Inc. to pursue its business plan independent from tribal government interests, the Pueblo’s tribal council authorized the establishment of a board of directors composed primarily of members having experience in the business world and in other areas relevant to economic development. Working together as a team, management and the board of directors are committed to exploring new ways to leverage the Pueblo’s resources, talents and tribal advantages for the economic betterment of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo community.
Board of Directors
|
Dr. Anna Perez |
Dr. Perez is an enrolled tribal member of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (YDSP) and was elected as the first chair of the Tigua Inc. Board of Directors. A native of Fort Worth Texas, Dr. Perez received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Texas Christian University in Education and later received her Doctorate of Education (Administration and Supervision) from the University of New Mexico in 1996 and currently works as Associate Superintendent of Operations for the Ysleta Independent School District. Dr. Perez has an extensive background in educational administration and has been was recognized Administrator of the Year for the State of New Mexico (2004) as well as a member of the Executive Educator 100. Dr. Perez brings to the board several years of experience managing multi-million dollar budgets and projects and has sat on several committees aimed at developing communities economically. Upon relocating to El Paso Texas, Dr. Perez immediately began serving YDSP in several capacities, volunteering her time on the YDSP Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) and the YDSP Higher Education Committee and as Board Chair for YDSP’s newly established wholly-owned corporation Tigua Inc. Term January 2010 to December 2012
|
||
Esequiel (Zeke) Garcia |
Zeke Garcia sits as the Vice-Chair of the Tigua Inc. Board of Directors, and is a Tribal Member of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (YDSP). Born and raised on the reservation, Mr. Garcia graduated with a Bachelors degree in History from the University of Texas El Paso. Mr. Garcia worked as a Community Supervision Officer, with the El Paso County, from 1989-1999 and returned in 1999 to work for YDSP as a Community Supervision Officer for the Tribal Judicial Court. In 2006 Mr. Garcia became the Director of Tribal Records Office for YDSP and was also elected as Chair for the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC). Mr. Garcia continually demonstrates his dedication to the YDSP community by volunteering and serving on several committees and organizations: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), EDAC, and the Resident Advisory Committee. He has dedicated his time to improving the quality of life for tribal members both on and off the reservation. Term January 2010 to December 2012 |
||
Christopher Gomez |
Christopher Gomez serves YDSP as a Tribal Councilman. Mr. Gomez has been employed at Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Economic Development Department as a planner since October of 2007. Prior to working for Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Mr. Gomez was employed as a planning assistant for the Office of the Vice President of Research and Development at El Paso Community College. Mr. Gomez obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Texas El Paso where he graduated with Cum Laude Honors and was inducted in Pi Sigma Alpha (the Political Science Honor Society). Mr. Gomez grew up on the YDSP Reservation and has worked within multiple tribal departments and enterprises. Mr. Gomez has a vast understanding of Federal Indian Policy and Nation Building Initiatives and takes pride in putting his experience to work for the betterment of the people of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Term January 2010 to December 2010 |
||
Albert T.Joseph |
Mr. Joseph obtained a Masters in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude majoring in Management Science and Business Statistics. Mr. Joseph spent more than 20 years in the United States Air Force where he was selected for the Airman Education and Commissioning Program. After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Joseph spent 14 years in the entrepreneurial sector owning and operating retail businesses that included 7 retail stores in 3 malls in Western New York. In 1998 Mr. Joseph began working for the city of Niagara as Director of Human Resources and would eventually become Niagara Falls City Manager, a position he held until 2003. Following his work for Niagara, Mr. Joseph moved to El Paso Texas where he became the Director of Housing Operations for Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Mr. Joseph became involved with the Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) as an ad-hoc advisor and was an integral part of developing the YDSP corporate structure. Term: 3 Years, January 2008 to December 2010 |
||
Karl Andrew Maahs |
Karl Maahs has worked extensively in Indian Country for over 20 years and specializes in business planning that successfully turns struggling business operations into thriving enterprises. Mr. Maahs’ track record includes managing large multi-million dollar gaming operations throughout the United States and Latin America. Mr. Maahs is well respected in the gaming industry and has been invited to speak at several conferences including the World Indian Gaming Congress, Bingo Gaming Congress, and the Southwestern Indian Gaming Conference. Mr. Maahs currently serves as General Manager of YDSP’s Speaking Rock Entertainment Center. Term: 3 Years, January 2008 to December 2010 |
||
Rodolfo Cruz |
Rodolfo Cruz, a member of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, established, owns and operates, Sun City Heating and Installation, a successful venture for over twenty years. His business experience, entrepreneurship skills, and accomplishments have made him a model to the tribal community. Mr. Cruz served as member of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribal Council from 1993 to 1997. He also served as Chairman on the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Housing Board where he aided in the creation of housing policy and economic development projects such as bringing more housing to the Pueblo. Mr. Cruz was appointed by the City of Socorro mayor to serve on the Planning and Zoning Board and currently sits on the Socorro Board of Appeals. Mr. Cruz was appointed to the Tigua Community Foundation Board and the Tigua Inc. Board of Directors in 2009 by Tribal Council. Mr. Cruz was a member of the Economic Development Advisory Committee where he assisted with the development of economic infrastructure. Above all, he is a well respected tribal member and his relationships with the community are an asset to Tigua Inc. Term January 2010 to December 2011 |
||
George Candelaria |
George Candelaria was appointed by Tribal Council to serve as a Board Member on the Tigua Inc. Board of Directors in 2009. Mr. Candelaria has been an active member of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo his entire life. Mr. Candelaria worked for the Pueblo for 18 years including holding the position of Vice Chairman of the Tigua Gaming Agency. In addition to his employment with the Pueblo, Mr. Candelaria previously served as a Tribal Councilman on the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribal Council. More recently Mr. Candelaria is a founder of 3 Cs Contractors Inc. a company that has experienced substantial growth. 3 Cs Contractors Inc. has received numerous awards including 2009 El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year, Minority Construction Firm of the Year 2009, 2009 Future 15 Award, and other Small Business Administration awards. Mr. Candelaria’s interest in the Tigua Inc. Board grew out of a desire to help the corporation enhance employment opportunities and quality of life for Tribal members of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Term January 2010 to December 2011 |
||
