Embedded Files
Executive Board
Executive Board
We are governed by a 4 member board elected upon by our members.
President - Danny Joe Stensgar - Confederated Tribes of Colville
Vice President - Bill Matt, Sr - Spokane Tribe
Secretary - Ashley Piccard - Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation
Treasurer - Cindy Spiry - Snoqualmie Tribe
Danny Jo Stensgar is a respected leader who has dedicated over three decades to serving his Colville confederated tribe. As president of TSWAN since 2000, Stensgar has been a tireless advocate for his community, working to improve waste management and resource conservation. With 39 years of experience, including roles at the Bureau of Indian Affairs and in fire control, Stensgar brings a wealth of knowledge to his current position as solid waste manager for the tribe. His commitment to sustainability has earned him recognition from the EPA, and he continues to make valuable contributions as a member of the Waste to Resource for Washington State committee. Stensgar's passion for helping tribes thrive and his dedication to sharing information with his peers have earned him a respected seat on the TSWAN executive board, where he works to uplift and empower tribal communities.
With over three decades of service to his tribe, William A. Matts is a respected leader known for his unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. As vice president of TSWAN since 2016 and head of the tribe's environmental department, William has dedicated his career to protecting the land and resources his people depend on. Prior to this role, he served in law enforcement, bringing a unique perspective to his current work. Leveraging his extensive experience, William sits on the wildlife and enrollment gaming committees, driving positive change through his collaborative spirit and deep tribal knowledge. An active member of TSWAN for the past 25 years, William values the opportunity to network with other tribes and tackle shared challenges. A true asset to his community, William is a champion for sustainable practices and a voice for indigenous environmental priorities.
Ashley Picard is a trailblazer in the world of tribal environmental management. As the operations manager for the Tribal Environmental Recovery Facility (TERF), she oversees critical initiatives that drive sustainable change within her community. With 19 years of experience and an Associates Degree under her belt, Ashley has risen through the ranks, previously serving as the assistant manager of TERF and in administrative roles for the tribe's Office of Economic Development. A dedicated leader, she sits on the executive boards of TSWAN and the Nixyaawii Community School, as well as the Umatilla County Solid Waste Advisory Committee. Since 2022, she has been the secretary for the Tribal Solid Waste Advisory Network board, where her expertise and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment make her an invaluable asset.
A lifelong advocate for environmental conservation, Cindy Spiry has dedicated over 17 years to overseeing the Snoqualmie Tribe's impactful outreach initiatives and programs. With a bachelor's degree in Ecology and Conservation and a Certificate in Restoration Ecology from the University of Washington, Cindy represents the Tribe on prestigious local and regional boards and committees, including the Snoqualmie Watershed Forum, King County Fish Farm Flood Committee, and the Tribal Solid Waste Advisory Network, where she serves as treasurer. As the Tribe's first water quality manager in 2007, Cindy launched and expanded their acclaimed water quality program, and was promoted to Director in 2009. Cindy's 23 years of salmon habitat restoration experience and 20 years of successful grants management have made her an invaluable asset to the Snoqualmie community.
Staff
Staff
The Organization Office is located in Tekoa, WA.
PO Box 527
Tekoa, WA 99033
510-284-7042
Executive Director - Bobbi Anne Barnowsky
A powerhouse for tribal environmental programs, Bobbi Anne Barnowsky is the Executive Director for the Tribal Solid Waste Advisory Network and a 4th-grade teacher for the Coeur d'Alene Tribal School. With over a decade of experience working with tribal nations, including Alaskan Native Tribes, Bobbi has developed and enhanced environmental initiatives focused on stewardship, capacity building, and community outreach.
Bobbi's strong commitment to tribal environmental programs has fostered extensive partnerships, earning her recognition as an Environmental Excellence Award winner and Volunteer of the Year. She has created essential tools like environmental plan templates and policy manuals, secured federal grants, and provided training to expand tribal program capabilities. As one of Alaska's Tribal Operations Committee Representatives for the EPA, Bobbi has amplified the voices of native tribes across the region.
Bobbi's academic expertise, combined with her on-the-ground experience, make her a driving force for empowering tribal communities. She welcomes the opportunity to discuss how TSWAN's programs can benefit your tribe. Reach out to learn more about Bobbi's work to create a healthier, more resilient future.
Recycling Program Coordinator - Watchumyush Wilder
Watchumyush Wilder, or "Watch" as he's known, is the new Recycling Program Coordinator for the TSWAN Organization. In this role, he will coordinate, enhance, and support the recycling efforts of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Colville Confederated Tribes, Kalispel Tribe, and Spokane Tribe - a responsibility he is thrilled to take on.
An enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, Watch grew up in Nespelem, WA before serving as a squad leader in the U.S. Army. After his enlistment, he returned home and worked his way up to Department Manager at the Coulee Dam Casino's Security Department. Watch then gained valuable recycling experience during his many years in building maintenance at Colville Tribal Corrections. Most recently, he earned a welding certification from Spokane Community College and now resides in Spokane with his youngest son, ready to put his diverse background to work for the success of TSWAN and the tribal communities they serve.
USDA Grant Coordinator - Grant Williams
"Sustainability is a planetary imperative which demands responsible resource stewardship. The traditional, natural and cultural ways of the First Peoples and Native Americans embodied this ethos. Grant is honored to empower them in their solid waste journey. He has organized grassroots composting initiatives while at university and founded community gardens to use the outputs. While working towards his Masters in Biology he studied compost for class and turned it at his part time job: a local flower farm. Professionally, Grant sees opportunities where others see waste: converting waste costs into revenue generators. He strategically creates value by building community and soil."
Media Specialist - Madhuri Venkatasamy
Madhuri Venkatasamy is a passionate advocate for sustainable living. With a bachelor's degree in sustainable practices, she has spent the last 8 years championing the values of reduce, reuse, and recycle. As a recycling outreach assistant, Madhuri has audited, analyzed, and educated over 1,000 residential families across King County on improving their recycling habits. Additionally, as a booth manager for the non-profit TrashTalk WA, she has educated 1,500+ kids and adults on proper waste sorting. Personally, Madhuri is a mindful consumer who prioritizes quality over quantity, composts religiously, and is working towards a more circular economy.
Recycling Coordinator, Coeur d'Alene Tribe & Tribal Recycling Alliance (TRA) - Isiah Havier
Isiah Havier is a member of the Schitsu’Umsh (Coeur d'Alene) Tribe, born and raised on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation in North Idaho. He was brought up outside Worley by his grandparents, whose guidance and care helped shape his strong connection to community and culture.
Isiah brings valuable experience from his time with the Tribal Fire/Fuels Program, where he developed a deep understanding of Natural Resources and the role of fire in maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. Now serving as the Recycling Coordinator for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Tribal Recycling Alliance (TRA) under TSWAN, he is focused on expanding sustainable practices and promoting environmental stewardship across tribal communities.
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