Name: Robert Valencia

Title: Vice Chairman

Represents: Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Served in this capacity since: June 2008

With over 12 years as a Pascua Yaqui elected official including servitude as Chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.

Professional background: BA Education – University of Arizona; more than 30 years of academic, policy
and instructional contributions and leadership in K-12 and Community College educational systems.

Civic Involvement: Proactive involvement with numerous boards and community-based organizations, including United Way, Chicanos Por la Causa and La Frontera.

Region’s most pressing issue in your opinion: Getting beyond the budget crises and preparing for an inevitable economic recovery and growth.

Region’s best opportunity for economic success: Improving the educational system to ensure the provision of necessary skills and training for an innovative workforce for the region.

What do you like best about what is currently happening at the regional level? The very essence of thinking “regionally” and attempting to bring needed resources, solutions at various scales to problems are challenges we face.

What’s your No. 1 priority in your current role? To better understand the key components necessary to meet the next generation of needs for this region.