President

​Betty Ojaye (Diné)
Shiprock, NM

Kinyaa’áanii, Naakaii Dine’é, Kinłichii’nii, Naaneesht’ézhi

​Betty Ojaye was born and raised in Shiprock, NM. She is a retired school administrator who served 27 years at a college preparatory school that she helped establish. She is dedicated to helping improve the prosperity of the Shiprock community for future generations. Her vision is to bring the community together by, engaging in meaningful discussions to re-energize and restore pride in the community so that it is more vibrant and healthier economically, environmentally, and culturally. Her leadership experiences include fundraising, planning and design, historic preservation, and school construction and renovation. In 2007 she was inducted into the NM Women’s Hall of Fame and in 2018 as NIEA Educator of the Year.

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Secretary ​

Gervana Begaye (Diné)

Gervana Begaye is originally from Shiprock, New Mexico. Her clans are Tó Dík’ózhi born for Tó’aheedlíínii. She is the Northern Agency Representative for the Navajo Nation President and Vice President’s Office for Community Engagement. Previously she worked with the Gallup Indian Medical Center, US Department of Health and Human Services. Gervana is also an entrepreneur with Mary Kay as an IndependentBeauty Consultant at Atazhoon Creations.

Member​

Elvin Keeswood (Diné)

Yá’át’ééh, Elvin Keeswood yinishyé. Ta'neeszahnii nishłí, Táchii’nii báshishchíín, Naakai Diné’é da shi chei, Tábaahá da shi nali. Elvin is married and has 3 children and 4 grandchildren. He is a fluent Diné language speaker and USMC Veteran. He has a passion for supporting and passing on knowledge of Diné tradition and culture. He participates in traditional ceremonies, pow wows, and gourd dancing. His hobbies include riding his motorcycle, hunting, and camping. He is a resident of Shiprock, NM.

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Member​

Randolph Sells (Diné)

Randy's areas of expertise are in accounting and economic development.  He is retired from the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development, Shiprock Regional Business Development Office. He has considerable knowledge on how to read and interpret financial statements and certified as an Economic Development Specialist. He is a graduate of Heald Business College in Accounting, San Francisco, California.  Randy has been on the Board of Directors for SCDC since 2020.

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Vice President​

Arvin Trujillo (Diné)

Mr. Trujillo is an independent consultant specializing in energy, economic development, and strategic planning. His extensive experience includes roles in energy companies, leading the Navajo Nation's Division of Natural Resources, and directing a non-profit economic development organization. He has worked with tribal and non-tribal communities and coordinated with federal, state, and local governments, including Congress and state legislatures in New Mexico and Arizona. Mr. Trujillo holds an undergraduate degree from Oral Roberts University and a graduate degree from Pennsylvania State University. He is married to Cynthia Trujillo and has three grown children pursuing their careers.

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Treasurer​

Kyle Jim (Diné)

Kyle is a farmer, father, and community organizer located in the Navajo Nation. He is an advocate for food sovereignty, environmental justice, and MMIP. Currently he serves as Executive Director for Diné Introspective Inc. He is dedicated to making a difference by building upon the sacrifice of our ancestors and their courageous actions to improve the lives of our people for the future.​​​​

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Member​

John Tohtsoni (Diné)

John was born and raised in Shiprock, NM, John C Tohtsoni Jr., is a member of the Navajo Nation.  John earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Purdue University and his Masters of Education from Doane College.  John has been in the field of education since 1997, with experience at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. He is currently the Assistant Principal at Bloomfield High School. Previously, he was the Principal at Shiprock High School, director of a grant program at San Juan College, a Social Studies instructor at Aztec High School and the Dean of Instruction and Social Studies Instructor at Navajo Preparatory School.  John has also been an Adjunct Instructor with both San Juan College and Diné College. 

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Consultant​

Shenan Atcitty (Diné)

Tł'ááshchí'í (Red Bottom People), nishlí

Hashk'aa hadzohi (Yucca Fruit-Strung-Out-In-A-Line clan), bashishchiin

Tachii'nii (Red Running Into the Water People), dashicheii

Tsin sikaadnii  (Clamp Tree), dashinalí

Shenan is from Shiprock and has over 30 years of experience representing Indian tribes and tribal organizations, including Navajo Nation Council, Diné College, and Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. Her experience involves litigation, business development, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and federal relations. She continues her family's community service legacy, following in the footsteps of her father, James D. Atcitty, the first American Indian elected to the NM Legislature. She and her husband Mark Van Norman own and manage a law and policy firm wholly dedicated to representing Indian tribes and tribal organizations. They have an adult son. Shenan is licensed in NM, DC, a myriad of federal courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court.