Board of Directors
Meet the Board Members
Our Board of Directors provides invaluable support to Strong Roots. The Board consists of seven community members, each bringing a wide cross-section of experience to the table. Through their expert guidance and wise counsel, we are able to amplify our mission to bring happiness to the Akwesasne community. Click on their photo to learn more about them.
Name
Title
A brief description.
President
Carey Terrance, a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, has already accumulated over fifteen years of business experience. Due to the death of his father, Carey inherited the family business. He has been the Owner/Operator of several enterprises, all on the territory of Akwesasne. These businesses include the Twinleaf Convenience Stores, Twinleaf Gas stations, and Twinleaf Diners.
Treasurer
Dianna Tarbell, a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, is currently Chief Financial Officer of CAA Management located on the territory of Akwesasne. A graduate of Syracuse University, she has worked for Native American business entities since 1986, most notably serving as General Manager of the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino for seven years. She sits on several community and employment-based boards
Secretary
Lewis Mitchell was born and raised in the First Nation community of Akwesasne. He joined the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service in 1985 and was appointed to Chief of Police in 1995. He retired in 2008. He co-owns three sporting goods stores with his wife Doreen. He is the president of
Seven Leaf, an upstart biopharmaceutical company. He is a member of the Akwesasne Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
Member
Emily Lauzon, a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, graduated from SUNY Potsdam and began a career in gaming in 1999 where she has held the position of General Manger of the Mohawk Bingo Palace and now the Assistant General Manager position at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort. She was elected Tribal Sub-Chief for a 3-year term in 2006. She sits on several community boards and is currently serving her third term on the Salmon River Central Board of Education.
Member
Christopher Thompson, a member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, has spent his career in the field of Economic Development and Employment Creation. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Christopher has worked for US and Canadian agencies such as Human Resources Skills Development Canada; Industry Canada; Federal Economic Development Agency; and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. He is currently Director of Economic Development for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.
Member
Michael Mitchell, a member of the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne, served as Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne for nearly thirty years. He has been instrumental in negotiations with Canada and his leadership brought about self-governance and a fundamental change in how our community services are distributed. He is an artist, an award-winning film-maker, an ironworker, an Ontario Hall of Fame Lacrosse player, and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Member
Troy Thompson, a member of the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne, graduated from Syracuse University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Design. He worked in New York City for six years designing furniture and interiors. He has experience in Construction, Architecture, and Project Management. He was elected as Chief with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne in 2015 where he concentrates on Economic Development and Environmental issues.
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