Our Staff
Our staff carries forward the mission of the Museum of Indigenous People—to instill understanding and respect for the Indigenous cultures of the Southwest—through daily stewardship of exhibitions, programs, education, and community engagement. Supported by Native team members, advisors, and a dedicated volunteer base, our staff leads with care, collaboration, and cultural responsibility.
Manuel Lucero
Executive Director
Andy Christensen
Curator
Trudy Gibbs
Administrative Coordinator
Meet the Board Members
The Board of Trustees provides governance and strategic guidance to ensure the Museum of Indigenous People remains mission-driven, sustainable, and accountable to the communities it serves. Working in partnership with staff and Native advisors, the Board helps steward the museum’s vision, values, and long-term impact.
President
Barbara Karkula
Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation
Department of Defense (Ret.)
Secretary
Ruth Lysak
Administrator (Ret.)
Trustee
Bill Truman
Paralegal
Trustee
Jim Cochran
Textile Expert
Vice President
Patti Ezel
Regional Director,
Great Circle Media
Trustee
Cliff Hill
Sioux
Attorney at Law
Trustee
Irene Stonecipher
Trustee Chumash Tribe of California
HR Manager Fed Ex (Ret.)
Trustee
Eric Costanios
Pacific Islander
Logistics
Treasurer
Greg Byrum
Supply Chain Director (Ret.)
Trustee
Ron Robinson
Lt. Colonel
United States Air Force (Ret.)
Trustee
Kali Simpson
Yaqui / Pueblo
Department of Defense Contractor (Ret.)
