Board of Directors

Deon Ben - Founding Board Member

Deon Ben is originally from the community of Tohatchi, New Mexico, and is the Native America Director for the Grand Canyon Trust. Prior to joining the Trust, Deon worked for the Grand Canyon National Park’s Vegetation Program. He earned his B.S. in environmental studies at Northern Arizona University and is currently completing his M.S. in environmental science and policy at NAU. Growing up on Navajo land, Deon experienced the perfect mesh of traditional knowledge and environmental education, which led him to his graduate work focusing on incorporating traditional ecological knowledge to address animal husbandry and grazing within tribal communities that are facing climate challenges. Deon enjoys the isolation and natural beauty of his traditional homeland and looks forward to positive environmental change. 

Pamela Eaton - Founding Board Member

Pam Eaton is founder of Green West Strategies where she works with clients on energy and economic transition policy. She has served as a Commissioner on the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, on the Western Electricity Coordinating Council’s Scenario Planning Steering Group, and as an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School. During a long career at The Wilderness Society, she led programs to manage energy development on public lands and protect wildlands and wildlife.


Michelle Garcia - Founding Board Member

Michelle Garcia (she/hers) is an attorney with New Mexico Legal Aid where she manages the LGBTQ+ legal access program, Safe to Be You, which focuses on civil rights litigation and advocacy for survivors of violence in rural and indigenous communities in New Mexico. She oversees the northern offices (Santa Fe, Taos, and Las Vegas) for New Mexico Legal Aid. Garcia works with local and regional community groups on issues related to rural access to justice including non-attorney advocate training.

Anne Mariah Tapp - Founding Board Member

Anne Mariah Tapp is an attorney and consultant based in Flagstaff, Arizona whose practice supports Tribes in their work to manage water, land, and other natural resources. Anne Mariah also supports clients working in philanthropy in their giving to Tribes and tribally-led projects.

Rhonda Tuni - Founding Board Member

Rhonda Tuni is an attorney who practices federal Indian law and Navajo tribal law out of Durango, Colorado and member of the Navajo Nation.