The Potlatch Staff

Ken Gordon Executive Director ken[at]potlatchfund[dot]org

Ken is committed to helping build strong, resilient and caring communities throughout Northwest Indian Country.

Ken understands the issues that impact Indian Country and is passionate about the role of community and voluntary groups in working for the common good. He's committed to helping communities find culturally appropriate solutions that can be embraced by all.

Ken came to Potlatch Fund in 2005 after a career in philanthropy, teaching, and public service in New Zealand, most recently as chief executive of Trust Waikato, one of the most-respected grant making trusts in that country with an $8 million annual grant budget.

He has extensive experience working with Maori communities in New Zealand and in areas of gender, race and diversity.

Kelly Gemmell, Suquamish Office Manager kelly[at]potlatchfund[dot]org

Dana Arviso, Navajo Book Keeper dana[at]potlatchfund[dot]org

Dana is committed to improving communities and working for social improvements through education and philanthropy.

Dana grew up on the Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Indian Reservation in California and earned her bachelor's degree from California State University, Sacramento, in child development. She worked as an early childhood educator within her Tribe's family literacy program.

Dana is pursuing a PhD in Education at the University of Washington. Her focus on innovative literacy practices and youth filmmaking targets Native American communities. Dana commits herself to improving the lives of youth, families, and communities through education and philanthropy.

Heather Miller, Wyandotte Program Coordinator heather[at]potlatchfund[dot]org

Heather is committed to supporting and empowering Native American communities in their desires to strengthen their organizations and leadership skills in culturally appropriate ways.

Heather is an enrolled member of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma. She holds a bachelor’s of philosophy from Miami University of Ohio and a Master’s of Native American Studies from Montana State University. Her interests and thesis topics involved Native American representations in Hollywood film.

Before moving to Seattle, Heather worked for a nonprofit organization in Montana that trained Native nonprofit organizations in the areas of board development, native leadership and fund development. Heather is committed to seeing Native nonprofits become successful and sustainable for many generations.

Lawrence Leake Director of Development and Communication lawrence[at]potlatchfund[dot]org

The excitement of our grantees is a vivid indicator that personal empowerment brings to community.

Lawrence has a BA in history from the University of California and a master's degree in education from Seattle University. Before joining Potlatch Fund he spent 10 years in Japan, beginning with a four-year stint in the sales and marketing department of Amita Machines. He was managing director of Overseaz English Academy, in Toyohashi, Japan. Lawrence and his family returned to Seattle in 2005 in preparation of his children's education.