Flagstaff, AZ – The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) announces a significant transition within its leadership. Shiloh Maples, who has served as the Interim Executive Director, and Kristine Piasecki, the Director of Finance, have both completed their tenures at NAFSA. Their strategic guidance and financial stewardship have played an integral role in the progress and success of the organization.
Both Maples and Piasecki will continue to support NAFSA as consultants, lending their expertise to ensure a smooth and strategic transition in leadership.
To maintain the continuity of NAFSA’s impactful initiatives, the organization is pleased to introduce Marian K. Bitsui as the Acting Director for the next six months. Bitsui brings over 20 years of experience in communications and a deep commitment to serving Native American communities. Her previous roles, including her current position as NAFSA’s Director of Communications and past experiences with the SAMHSA Tribal Technical and Training Assistance Center and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, make her exceptionally qualified to lead the organization through this interim period.
Under Bitsui’s stewardship, NAFSA is committed to upholding its mission and goals. The organization will initiate Listening Sessions and develop a Theory of Change model to ensure that its strategies are in alignment with the needs and aspirations of the communities it serves. These initiatives are vital steps in NAFSA’s journey toward impactful change and growth.
Concurrently, NAFSA has embarked on a national search to appoint a new permanent Executive Director, aiming to conclude this process by January 2024. This marks a significant phase in NAFSA’s journey, opening a new chapter and further strengthening its ability to drive meaningful change in the communities it supports.
NAFSA extends its gratitude to its partners and supporters during this time of transition. The organization remains committed to creating tangible, positive impacts and navigating these changes with a focused and strategic approach.
About NAFSA
The Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance (NAFSA) is dedicated to restoring the Indigenous food systems that support Indigenous self-determination, wellness, cultures, values, communities, economies, languages, families, and rebuilding relationships with the land, water, plants and animals that sustain us.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Marian Bitsui, Director of Communications
marian@nativefoodalliance.org
