TribalNet this week announced its 2026 Advisory Boards, welcoming back returning members and introducing several new leaders from across tribal governments, gaming enterprises and health organizations nationwide.
Made up of respected industry professionals, technology executives, and decision-makers, the Advisory Boards play a role in shaping the direction of the Annual TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow. Their insight helps guide the topics, priorities, and focus areas, making sure TribalNet stays relevant, forward-thinking, and aligned with the evolving needs of tribes and their enterprises.
“Being a part of the TribalNet board allows me the chance to help design a conference that bridges the gap between those implementing technology and those driving tribal strategy, as both are critical to serving our communities,” TribalNet Advisory Board Member and Sycuan Casino Resort Vice President of Information Technology Patrick Tinklenberg said in a statement.
Advisory Board members are:
Gaming & Hospitality
- Virgil Debrosse, Chickasaw Nation
- Tara Fisher, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
- Amy Gates, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan
- John Ormond, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
- Richard Rader, Umpqua Indian Development Corporation & Seven Feathers Casino and Resort
- Edward Rangel, Pearl River Resort
- Bryant Santini, Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort
- Patrick Tinklenberg, Sycuan Casino Resort
Government & Member Services
- Christopher Abel, Citizen Potawatomi Nation
- Chris Frank, Quinault Indian Nation
- John Miller, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Paula Starr, Cherokee Nation Government
- Alan Walt, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- George Wood, Mohegan Tribe
Health Information Management
- Cassie Brown, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe- HHS
- Brian Johnston, Indian Health Service Office of IT
- Lisa Lyon, Indian Health Service
- Leona Pippin, Cherokee Nation Health Services
- Sharon Postoak, Chickasaw Nation Department of Health
- Brandy Russell, Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health
- Andrea Scott, Indian Health Service
- Andrea Storm, Indian Health Service Office of IT
- Reese Weber, Indian Health Service, California Area Office
Leadership & Executive Board
- Joseph Busby, Morongo Casino Resort & Spa
- Conrad Granito, Nisqually Red Wind Casino
- Dawn McGrady, Soaring Eagle Casino Resort & Saganing Eagles Landing Casino
- Hema Mohan, Chumash Casino & Resorts
- Travis O’Neil, Angel of the Winds
- Trent Roberts, Chickasaw Nation Department of Treasury
Insights from the 2026 Advisory Boards will shape the 27th Annual TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow September 20–24 in Dallas, Texas. The event brings together the TribalHub community, a group of technology-minded leaders from tribes across the country.
Attendees will connect with leaders and solution providers, explore technology, and gain valuable insights to drive growth and success, in an environment designed specifically for tribes and tribal enterprises.
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Director of Clinical Informatics/Information Technology Cassie Brown said one of the standout themes at TribalNet under the Tribal Health Information management track is the growing role of AI in healthcare.
“Tribal leaders should be in the room at TribalNet 2026 to help shape decisions around Indigenous data sovereignty, ensure solutions reflect real community needs, and build partnerships that support long-term growth,” Brown said.
In addition to three keynote speakers, seven session tracks, and 30+ sessions in those tracks, the conference has a two-day tradeshow floor with dedicated time to meet and engage with more than 200 vendors working in the tribal space. These solution providers work with tribes and tribal enterprises and are dedicated to improving what tribes do.
“Technology is no longer something organizations can afford to treat as separate — it’s central to every part of tribal operations,” Tinklenberg said.
A news release said TribalNet’s Advisory Boards reflect the organization’s continued commitment to industry-led guidance, ensuring the conference delivers timely, impactful content and remains a premier gathering for those advancing technology and innovation across tribal nations.
Angel of the Winds CEO Travis O’Neil said after 36 years in tribal gaming, he has seen how technology continues to reshape casino operations and tribal economies.
“TribalNet is a tremendous resource for tribal professionals, leaders, and innovators all in one place,” O’Neil said. “I encourage all tribal leaders to attend and gain exposure to everything available to benefit their tribal operations and communities.”
The TribalNet Advisory Board will meet in the coming months to finalize conference tracks, sessions and speakers, with announcements to follow soon.
Registration for the 2026 TribalNet Conference & Tradeshow is open. More information: tribalhub.com/events.
