Our Leadership
Forest James
(Ch'ee-taa-ghee-ne)
About Forest
An artistic thinker from childhood, Forest has a creative & diverse secular background, ranging from 20+ years in film and entertainment to planning, funding, and building infrastructure projects for Native & Rural America. Forest is an enrolled citizen of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation and has spent many years in and around tribal government and tribal business. Forest has 10 years of experience as a wireless engineer, designing and constructing city-wide and reservation-wide Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISP). In recent years Forest represents a consortium of native & woman-owned companies that assist in the stabilization of intergovernmental infrastructure projects, assist in the mediation between federal, state agencies, tribal governments, and tribal businesses. To tribes, he has helped execute planning, funding & build efforts with the goal of economic diversity for our tribal communities. To providers, Forest helps structure and mitigate risk for projects and investments throughout Indian Country. Forest can assist in the successful execution of federal, state, and private funded infrastructure projects (e.g. energy, telecommunications, data centers, agriculture, etc.).
In the past, Forest spent 8 years as the Vice President of Datasat Technologies for North America, in charge of product development, contract manufacturing, new vertical formation and product offerings. Forest spends a great deal of time assisting communities with telecommunications infrastructure, data centers, renewable energy, and large-scale agriculture.
Forest has three companies, EnerTribe, Inc. (www.enertribe.com), focussed on infrastructure development for Tribes. EnerTribe Consulting (www.enertribeconsulting.com), focused assisting providers, utilities and developers. 22nd Century Tribal Infrastructure Group (www.22ctribal.com) which is focused on clean water and clean energy initiatives.
Rebecca Lin
About Rebecca
Growing up in South Africa, Rebecca earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pretoria before moving to London, where she pursued a Master’s in Business Management while working at HSBC Holdings. Over a decade at HSBC, she worked directly with the Chairman on corporate governance, stock listings, and board-related matters. Later, she had the opportunity to serve as the HSBC Organizational Development Manager in her home country of Taiwan, leading branding initiatives that earned HSBC multiple industry accolades, including “The Best Place to Work,” “Asian Banker Award,” and the “National Innovative Prize.”
Before moving to the United States, Rebecca founded a project management firm in Taiwan, successfully leveraging her expertise in business operations and strategic growth. She later moved to Los Angeles, where she earned a Master’s in International Public Policy and Management and a Marketing Communications Management from the University of Southern California (USC). At USC, she served as President of the Graduate Student Association. She was invited to present her land planning policy at the ASPA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Her city sustainability policy was also featured in the Los Angeles Times.
Dedicated to continuous learning and leadership in telecommunications, Rebecca completed her MBA in 2023 and earned the BICSI Registered Telecommunications Project Manager (RTPM) certification, further solidifying her expertise in telecommunications infrastructure.
A true global citizen, she has lived on four continents and traveled to 28 countries, bringing a unique, multicultural approach to her leadership and vision for impactful community development.
Daniela Sossa
About Daniela
With an enormous interest in finance and economic development, Daniela has advanced to her current role as the Chief Financial Officer at EnerTribe. While in Colombia, Daniela received her Masters in finance and worked at the Central Bank of Colombia in the International Affairs Division for almost six years, where she put her training to use and learned essential skills to manage operations and teams. She then went on to work at the Superintendence of Finance, overseeing the financial performance of local banks. This experience led her to pursue her second Masters, this time in International Public Administration, which she received from the University of Southern California. Driven by a desire to create a meaningful social impact, Daniela joined EnerTribe, where she leads financial strategy, analysis, and project planning to support the tribes they serve, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term financial success.
Joni Theobald
About Joni
Overseeing the daily operations of EnerTribe, Joni brings with her extensive broadband and management experience. As a member of the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Nation in northern Wisconsin, Joni has worked to bring broadband to tribal lands and participated in efforts to bring more economic and education opportunities to rural Wisconsin. She has assisted the FCC in organizing a regional tribal workshop, as well as presenting on FCC panels for the Connect America Fund and understanding E-Rate (USAC), and served on the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) broadband committee. This background gives Joni and inside knowledge of both the regulatory processes and body, as well as the end-user experiences with broadband in Indian Country. Joni can apply all of this knowledge directly to her work at EnerTribe in managing operations and personnel in a field she knows well and is passionate about.
Our Team
Andie Carter
About Andie
Living in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Andie brings more than two decades of experience in project management, including 15 years leading large-scale, complex initiatives for the Government of Canada to her role as Project Manager with EnerTribe. Throughout her public sector career, she specialized in the end-to-end delivery of infrastructure and communications projects, with strategic foresight and a deep commitment to community impact.
Her academic background includes a Master’s in Project Management and a Master’s in Communications from the University of Victoria, where she developed a multidisciplinary approach to leadership, client and contractor engagement, and systems planning. As a life-long learner and avid traveler, she brings a global perspective to her work, combined with a grounded passion for local collaboration and equity-based outcomes.
In recent years, she has focused her work on collaborating with Indigenous communities across Canada, applying her grant-writing expertise and project leadership skills to initiatives centered on Indigenous sovereignty, infrastructure planning, and long-term capacity building. She has also partnered with non-profit organizations working in anti-racism, education, and Indigenous reconciliation—further aligning her work with her values.
Andrew Molinsky
About Andrew
With a varied creative and technical background, Andrew serves as EnerTribe’s in-house Content Creator and Technical Support Specialist. During a decade with the Jackson County Library District, Andrew oversaw a number of new marketing initiatives, including an award winning campaign for digital literacy outreach. He also leveraged a background in video production–including previous project work for EnerTribe–to create an in-house production division of marketing for the 15-library system. Meanwhile, side projects including publication of a novel, serving as a freelance cinematographer and video editor, as well as volunteer outreach and appearing in front of the camera on a limited-run YouTube series, occupied the rest of his time. Now, as a regular member of the EnerTribe team, Andrew is eager to bring that experience fully to bear on exciting new projects and initiatives in the works here at EnerTribe.
Ayanna Robert
About Ayanna
Ayanna Robert, MBA, is a seasoned Consultant and Project Manager with over 25 years of management consulting experience across public, private, and Tribal sectors. As the former Operations Manager for the California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB), Ayanna played a key role in advancing operational projects related to facilities, strategic planning, and clinic infrastructure. For the past three years, Ayanna has focused on working closely with Tribal governments and Native American entities, bringing a culturally informed and collaborative approach to project leadership and operational improvement. Her work includes vendor and contractor management, engagement with cross-sector partners, and strategic oversight of infrastructure and technology initiatives. Ayanna also brings extensive experience in information technology and new business enterprise development, including work at both the state and federal levels. Her ability to build trust, streamline operations, and manage complex projects has made her a valued partner in supporting the unique needs of Tribal communities. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University. Ayanna also holds professional certificates in Facilities Management, Operational Risk Management, Engineering Project Management, and Financial Statement Analysis. With a focus on sustainable growth, community impact, and operational excellence, Ayanna continues to support Tribal partners through thoughtful leadership and strategic execution.
Bobby Castillo
About Bobby
Raised in Southern Arizona, Bobby witnessed the challenges faced by border communities, which fueled his passion for making a difference. Having grown up working alongside his father in the construction industry, he developed a strong work ethic that he values deeply. Bobby recognizes the importance of building connections and believes in effective communication as a cornerstone of success. With natural curiosity for learning, Bobby strives to embrace new challenges and continually seeks personal and professional growth. This blend of interests and background make him well suited to his role at EnerTribe, as an OSP Technician and Technical Writer.
Chris Fikert
About Chris
Chris truly has a passion for the wireless field, new technologies, and devices that drive innovation, this makes him the perfect guy to serve as EnerTribe’s Wireless Engineer. Since graduating from UC Berkeley over 20 years ago, Chris has worked with a wide range of wireless technologies ranging from UHF RFID to Indoor/Outdoor Wi-Fi to Fixed Wireless, Millimeter wireless and LTE. That means Chris knows the best wireless solutions to meet various needs found throughout the implementation process of an infrastructure build. As a former sales engineer for Symbol Technologies, Motorola, and Cambium Networks, Chris also holds a wealth of product and installation experience to ensure EnerTribe’s projects are backed with the best available hardware and support solutions. His easy-going attitude and attention to detail also make him a huge asset in the field for support and training during the installation process.
Chris Stewart
About Chris
Chris has over 25 years of experience in sales and customer service. He has been a dedicated professional in the wireless industry since 2009, working with major providers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Spectrum. Since 2017, he has specialized in account management, building strong relationships and delivering top-tier service. Now, new to EnerTribe, he is excited for the adventure ahead and is committed to making a meaningful impact by leveraging technology to change people’s lives. Outside of work, he enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, exploring the outdoors through camping, and hitting the open road on a motorcycle.
David Garcia
About David
David Garcia is a driven and passionate first-generation American with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino. With over four years of experience in administration and compliance, David has demonstrated a strong commitment to organizational efficiency and financial accuracy. His career spans a variety of roles, including supporting executives and managing the compliance department for a large oil and gas company, where he successfully handled logistics for over 250 sites across the country.
David’s leadership skills were evident when he led the development and implementation of standardized procedures for records management, significantly enhancing the overall efficiency of the organization. His keen eye for detail and natural talent for numbers has made him a trusted asset in financial management, ensuring precision in every project he undertakes.
Inspired by his parents’ courageous journey to pursue better opportunities for their family, David is motivated by a deep sense of responsibility to build a better future. His academic focus on entrepreneurship has shaped his ambition to make a lasting impact both professionally and personally.
Elody James
About Elody
Elody has joined Enertribe as the Executive Assistant of Operations, where she supports Joni, our Chief Operations Officer. Originally from Los Angeles, Elody’s experience in the film industry sparked her creativity, while her time in Oregon taught her the significance of patience, mindfulness, and a strong connection to nature- values she applies to any and all projects. As a proud member of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, Elody is eager to expand her involvement with tribal communities. She’s passionate about staying organized, fostering personal growth, and maintaining an open, adaptable mindset in every aspect of her work that comes her way.
Justin Owen
About Justin
A Louisiana native with a passion for connectivity and problem-solving, Justin brings over 13 years of experience in network engineering to the EnerTribe team. His career began at the help desk and evolved into senior-level roles at CenturyLink and Lumen, where he worked on large-scale deployments and cutting-edge system integrations. With a degree from Louisiana Tech University and a drive to keep learning, Justin has built a reputation for being both technically sharp and relentlessly dependable.
At EnerTribe, Justin serves as a Network Architect, where he helps design and implement the infrastructure that brings internet access to tribal and rural communities. He values precision, clear communication, and practical solutions that stand the test of time. His blend of hands-on expertise and strategic thinking allows him to tackle complex network challenges while staying grounded in the real-world needs of the communities he serves.
Outside of work, Justin is a dedicated sports fan, an active volunteer, and a family-first kind of guy. He finds balance in giving back, staying connected with loved ones, and embracing challenges both on and off the field.
Kathy Farina
About Kathy
Kathy brings over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications and real estate industries, specializing in customer relationships, program development, land services, and site acquisitions. Known for her warm and collaborative approach, she combines technical expertise with strong leadership to drive successful project outcomes. Passionate about expanding telecommunications infrastructure, Kathy is committed to supporting growing communities and their evolving communication needs. Outside of work, she loves spending time in nature and gardening, finding it a great way to relax and stay connected to the outdoors.
Kelly Jackson
About Kelly
Kelly Jackson, an enrolled member of the Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Nation, has over 28 years of experience in tribal relations. She has served in a number of tribal, state and federal Director/Administrative positions in addition to serve private sector and business development corporations. Jackson established InnoNative Solutions, LLC, a professional services consulting firm specializing in government relations, historic preservation, environmental management, business development and training. She has also founded several non-profit organizations. She continues to serve on various boards and teams that support tribal growth and sustainability. Her accomplishments while serving in the various positions held throughout her career demonstrate the quality, commitment and expertise Ms. Jackson delivers when working with industry.
Kelly is a “Rock Star” too, as the owner of Spirit of a Women Productions, an entertainment firm offering services in Indigenous music and entertainment. She is an international award winning recording artist with a special interest in women’s personal and professional development.
Laura Owl
About Laura
Laura Owl is a proud member of the Ojibwe Nation of Sagamok Anishnawbek, a dedicated wife, mother, and passionate advocate for Indigenous issues, environmental sustainability, healthcare access, and education reform. With over two decades of experience, Laura has worked with various tribes across Canada and the USA, promoting community development and empowerment.
She holds a Psychology degree from Laurentian University, a Masters in Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship from Queen’s University, and is pursuing her PhD in Management at the University of Phoenix. Laura’s career is marked by her commitment to collaboration, community values, and innovation, and she has earned multiple awards for her community work.
While her current role requires occasional travel, Laura remains deeply connected to her home community. She is driven by a belief in the power of representation and advocates for policies that reflect the needs of diverse communities.
Lisa Fikert
About Lisa
Lisa brings two decades of expertise in marketing, events, and sales management to her role as a Project Manager here at EnerTribe. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Communications, Lisa began her career as a Junior Project Engineer with Swinerton and Wahlberg, one of the oldest construction companies in the nation. From there, she specialized in marketing and talent acquisition after discovering a passion for it. She excelled at hiring and training sales teams for prominent companies like Quest Software and The Royal Bank of Scotland.
As a creative thinker with exceptional organizational skills, Lisa’s diverse background positions her as an exceptional Project Manager. She is honored to join the EnerTribe team to support and assist in the technological advancements of the tribal community.
Mark O'Connell
About Mark
Whether applying his passion to web services, systems architecture, or full stack development, he has never relented in pushing the edges of what can be done with technology while seeking greater automation, efficiency, and ease of use for people who use these systems. Mark’s systems approach with a human touch has brought him to various industries such as software development, logistics, and accounting.
Traveling widely, often on his motorcycle, Mark has lived in 11 states and traveled to 47. Along the way, he has learned to adapt to several different cultures, social or corporate, within this diverse country.
Mary Ann Wildcat
About Mary Ann
Mary Ann Wildcat began her professional journey in graphic design after earning her degree from Madison College, where she developed a strong foundation in visual communication and creative strategy. Her first role out of college was at Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison, where she applied her design skills to create engaging marketing materials and promotional campaigns. These early experiences helped her understand how thoughtful design can shape brand identity, engage audiences, and support business goals.
Following her time at Ho-Chunk Gaming, Mary Ann founded Minochige—meaning “Do Good Things” in Ojibwe—to help Native entrepreneurs build strong brands and establish an online presence. She later joined EnerTribe as a Graphic Designer, contributing to the company’s visual communications and campaigns before advancing to Brand & Marketing Manager. Her design expertise, combined with her understanding of Indigenous culture and community-focused strategy, allows her to craft campaigns that are both visually compelling and culturally resonant.
Mic Woodman
About Mic
Mic is a highly qualified senior telecommunications leader with a history of building world-class delivery teams and networks. Mic is dedicated to maintaining a reputation for superior client service and exceptional results and developing new relationships with the same quality and trust clients value. Mic is a strategic problem-solver and he has built a reputation among his clients and the engineering community as a skilled project manager. He understands the schedules required to complete complex
fiber optic projects. His expertise include FTTN, FTTC (4G, 5G), FTTP, FTTH, FTTB, GPON, long-haul fiber optic design and permitting. Mic has executed hundreds of schedule-driven and process-intensive projects with local, city, state, and federal agencies.
River James
About River
Born and raised in Hawaii, I am a proud registered tribal member of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation in Smith River, California. I recently joined the EnerTribe team and am the Executive Assistant of Forest and Rebecca.
Trevor Ward
About Trevor
A native of New Hampshire with a passion for storytelling and adventure, Trevor brings over 20 years of executive experience as a project manager and producer to the EnerTribe team. His innovative strategies, focus on clear communication, and commitment to results-driven solutions have earned him recognition as a versatile leader capable of managing complex projects and meeting tight deadlines. In addition to his extensive leadership experience, Trevor is a licensed drone pilot and has earned certifications in tower climbing and rigging, enabling him to contribute directly to the hands-on execution of telecommunications infrastructure projects. This skill set enhances his ability to oversee projects with a deep understanding of both fieldwork and strategic planning, ensuring seamless and efficient operations.
Outside the office, Trevor enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and pursuing his creative passions for photography and videography. With a fascination for capturing the world from a “bird’s eye” perspective, he specializes in cinematic aerial footage and rarely ventures out without his camera gear, combining his technical acumen with an artistic eye for detail.
Dr. Penny Eckert
About Penny
She has worked extensively with watershed analysis, land use, land tenure, and land management analysis. She has worked both nationally and internationally with environmental impact assessment of large and small projects, and has authored numerous environmental documents. She has led interdisciplinary teams in complex environmental assessment projects and has been responsible for the completion of the technical reports. In addition to her technical skills, Dr. Eckert excels at establishing successful working relationships with regulatory agencies and negotiating terms and conditions of environmental permits that are practical, economically feasible, and environmentally compliant. Her skills in strategic thinking and her inclusive approach to project leadership have enabled her to be successful in complex problem solving and in finding solutions that are acceptable to all parties. Dr. Eckert is an experienced project manager with specialized skills in federal and state environmental permitting and compliance. She has worked with clients in the private and public sectors to successfully analyze and permit projects. She has managed projects ranging in value to $10 million, and projects of both short and multi-year duration.
Puddle James
About Puddle
Puddle joins the EnerTribe family as the Chief Morale Officer. Her unique set of skills (including sit, speak, and circle) make her ideally suited to the position. She offers snuggles at a very competitive rate and was clearly destined for a leadership role in mood brightening. When not hard at work, she also enjoys lizard stalking and lounging in the sun. She’s the perfect addition to the team and is excited to share her love and passion for life with all she meets!
Ron Flavin
Remembering Ron
Ron was an Apache Native and EnerTribe’s Director of the Grant Services Department.
He sadly passed away in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an integral part of EnerTribe, Ron was an Apache Native, funding strategist, and grant specialist who helped secure more than $450 million over the last 20 years through successfully funded competitive grant proposals and cooperative agreements for non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private sector companies. He was also a published author on grants and served as a subject matter expert, reviewing proposals for both federal and state funding agencies. Ron earned his Doctorate of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Quite simply, he was responsible for much of EnerTribe’s success over the past 14 years.