Prior to starting his own firm, Ron worked at the highest levels of state government. In 1998, Ron was appointed by former Governor, Jane Dee Hull, as Executive Director of the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs. In this capacity, Ron provided administrative leadership and improved intergovernmental relations with Arizona’s 22 Indian Tribes and Nations.

During his tenure at the Commission, Ron developed better communication methods by spearheading a number of activities, including:
• Revamping the Arizona Indian Town Hall into a viable forum for discussion of issues vital to tribal and state communities;
• Taking over the coordination and facilitation of the Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day event;
• Establishing an Indian economic development program within the agency for tribal communities throughout the state; and
• Providing education on the Arizona legislative process, grassroots lobbying efforts, and legislative bill tracking.

In recognition of these successful and innovative accomplishments, the Arizona State Legislature granted Ron a 10-year reauthorization in 2001, the longest allowable by law!

Ron also brings a wealth of business experience to NPG, as he worked with Bank One of Arizona (formally Valley National Bank) for 11 years as a consumer loan officer, information and financial analyst, and as a business development officer.

Ron holds a Masters of Public Administration from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University. Finally, Ron serves on numerous boards and organizations, including the Institute for Native Americans at Northern Arizona University and the World Affairs Council of Arizona.

Ron grew up in the Southwestern part of the Navajo reservation and currently resides in Mesa with his family.