SILETZ — Kurtis Barker, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has been named the new general manager of the Siletz Tribe, the tribe announced Wednesday. His first day will be Feb. 1.
Barker, 37, will lead a workforce of approximately 200 located at offices in Siletz, Eugene, Salem and Portland. He has worked for the tribe for nearly 16 years and has been director of the tribe’s self-sufficiency program for 10 years. In this position, he led a team of 13 staff who assist tribal members in meeting their basic needs and preparing them to enter or re-enter the workforce. Barker also administered the home visiting and vocational rehabilitation programs.
“We have many challenges facing the Tribe, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, recovery efforts provided by the American Rescue Plan Act and staffing shortages, to name a few,” Barker said in a statement released by the tribe. “I am familiar with tribal government operations and I will work at the direction of Tribal Council to establish, promote and achieve our goals and objectives.”
Barker replaces Gerald L. Smith, who became general manager in September 2020 and left after 12 months. The tribe’s natural resources manager, Mike Kennedy, has been serving as interim general manager.
The Siletz Tribal Council also recently replaced the general manager of its Chinook Winds Casino Resort. Finance director John Wheeler was promoted to interim general manager Jan. 1, replacing Michael Fisher, who had served as general manager since 2012.
Barker has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Oregon University. Barker was a co-founder of the Siletz Change Team, which seeks to create a more welcoming environment for two-spirit and LGBTQIA employees. Barker is on the Oregon Employment Department advisory council and has served on its modernization board.
“I have dedicated my adult career to serving the Tribe and our community,” Barker said in a news release announcing his appointment. “I was raised in Siletz, attended Siletz School and currently live in Siletz Tribal housing. … I may be younger than many within our leadership team, but I am motivated to lead and modernize our approach to serving the entire membership.”
