Tlingit & Haida Welcomes New Employees to Management Team
The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) announced the hiring of Mary Johnson as the Tribal Family & Youth Services (TFYS) Director and Gail Cheney as the Senior Director of Organizational Development.
As the TFYS Director, Johnson provides direct oversight of all department staff and the planning, development, and implementation of the Tribe’s Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), Elderly services, and Wellness programs and activities.
Johnson received a bachelor’s in social sork and master’s in community psychology from UAF. She previously served as the Program Manager of Tanana Chiefs Conference’s Child Protection Program. She also worked as a behavioral health clinician and became a licensed professional counselor before returning to work in child welfare.
In Cheney’s new position as Senior Director of Organizational Development, she supports Tlingit & Haida’s leadership and management team to develop strategies that foster organizational change and promote innovation and growth, enhance effectiveness, and uphold the mission and vision of the Tribe.
Current Issue
July 2026
Cheney holds a bachelor’s in urban studies and planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as well as a master’s in business administration & management. She also holds a Ph.D in leadership & organizational change from Antioch University Seattle.
Cheney has 18 years of professional experience with Alaska Native regional and village corporations and in fields including consulting, academia, non-profit, and environmental.
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