PRESIDENT/CEO

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Shyla Spicer

Yakama

President/CEO, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation

Shyla Spicer (Yakama) joined the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) as President and CEO in 2023; as the successor of founding President Lulani Arquette. A dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience in building thriving organizations and high performing teams combines strategic vision and operational expertise. She comes from a business solutions and organizational design consulting background which included experience with Tribal Government leadership serving as the Executive Director of the Suquamish Tribe. There she spearheaded transformative community projects and government reorganization. Shyla’s experience in Global Marketing, Technology, and Supply Chain Operations at Nike, allowed her to demonstrate her global impact in change management. An MBA graduate from the University of Portland, she is also certified in project management, property management, and is a tech-savvy leader. Committed to advancing Indigenous art and culture, she has served on the Regional Arts and Cultures (RACC) board of directors, supports several artists in business administration management, and currently sits on the board of directors for the Chief Seattle Club.

In 2021, NACF accepted the historic transfer of ownership of a building in Portland, Oregon that has become the new headquarters for NACF. Under Shyla’s leadership the organization is developing a Center that includes spaces for exhibitions, events, places to practice culture and make art, and areas for cultural ceremonies and celebrations to create a vibrant gathering place for Indigenous artists.