Leadership
Tribal Tech is led by a team of exceptionally focused and dedicated professionals.
For more than 30 years, Ms. Vasques has been an advocate for American Indians, leading education reform, health care and advancing energy initiatives.
Her career in public service includes serving as the Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Office of Indian Education, U.S. Department of Education, where she was the principal point of contact within the federal government for Indian education across the nation. Prior to that, she served as the Director of Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy. She also served as Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities, as an education program specialist in the Office of Indian Education, on the President’s Commission on Indian Reservation Economics, and on the President’s Commission on the HIV Epidemic. Her experience with Indian issues outside the federal government includes serving as a technical assistant specialist at the National Congress of American Indians and as tribal liaison at The Committee for the 50th Presidential Inaugural.
Ms. Vasques received her Bachelor of Science degree from California State University at Fullerton, then went on to receive teaching credentials from the University of California at Irvine. She is Diegueno of the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, Valley Center, California, and is a former American Indian Woman of the Year. Besides receiving many awards and recognition for her service and entrepreneurship, she also serves on various boards for national and local non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting and promoting education and health care. Vicki has created a non-profit organization, the RMP Foundation (RMP), in honor of her father. RMP’s mission is to improve the education, health and wellness of all people, especially those throughout Native communities.
Listed alphabetically
Christopher Catanzaro
Vice President of Tribal Tech Business Group
Chris has over twelve years of experience in project management and contract oversight, in addition to background supporting governmental meeting planning and logistics. His responsibilities include the preparation of all contracts and contract modifications to ensure compliance with legislative requirements, as well as all contract extensions, renewals and close-outs. He supports the contract start-up process, identifying short-term resources needed, and manages the development of start-up checklists, as well as the organization of hand-over and kick-off meetings. Chris served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Panama.
Joanne Hansen
Chief of Staff
Joanne has been a part of the Tribal Tech leadership team since its inception. Her 35 years of combined service within the federal government and the private sector has proven invaluable to the start-up and success of the company. Her professional experience at high levels of the public and private sector has generated a tremendous competitive edge for Tribal Tech. Joanne has been able to leverage assets throughout her career with her outstanding leadership, management and communications skills, along with her expertise in administration, human resources, logistics, marketing, and public affairs.
Michele Matteson
Executive Strategist
With over 20 years of experience in a wide variety of disciplines, she has a vast understanding of private sector practices and government procedures related to Native American community development initiatives. Michele Matteson also possesses a strong attention to detail, specifically in communications and logistics. She is actively involved in strengthening the Tribal Tech brand through her marketing, networking and business development skills. Ms. Matteson is affiliated with the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians.
Bob Milligan
President
Bob Milligan is an innovative and visionary operations executive, with extensive expertise encompassing project management, logistics, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, leadership development, and team-building. Bob leverages practical experience with exceptional communication skills to empower team members to meet and exceed established business objectives.
Joe Poole
Chief Financial Officer
Joe Poole has been Tribal Tech’s CFO for the past ten years. He has over 50 years of experience as an accountant and financial consultant, working with individuals and businesses, most notably with business startups. Joe’s expertise in the intricacies of running a small business has been a tremendous asset to the growth of Tribal Tech.
Fabrice Vasques
Treasurer
Fabrice Vasques has over 30 years of experience in the finance world in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. His expertise is invaluable to the growth of Tribal Tech.