Who We Are

AUSTIN TSOSIE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

As an experienced executive leader and enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, Austin Tsosie brings a unique perspective to building a tribal corporation. As DDC CEO and former President of NOVA Corporation, DDC IT Services, and DDC 4C, Austin has been very successful in reshaping the organization’s culture, rebuilding operations, fueling business development, and enhancing tribal relations to position DDC subsidiaries as elite, tribally-owned small businesses.

Austin obtained a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Weber State University and master’s degree in business administration from the University of Dallas. He began his career as a network administrator and software engineer for small, start-up companies. As his career progressed, he transitioned to project management positions, in which he managed small and large teams across the world, including China, India, and England. He led the creation of project management offices and developed management processes for three large companies across various industries. He worked as a Principal PPM consultant for a global company that offers business consulting, technology, engineering, and outsourcing services. Austin was the U.S.-based PPM resource, through which he focused on business development and project execution. His client base included large firms across the manufacturing, entertainment, and banking industries. Austin then served as DDC IT Services President, in which he grew the company from one employee to more than 100 employees and $16 million in revenue over five years. In 2016, he was appointed to DDC CEO.

DAWN BUZZELL

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Dawn is an experienced, entrepreneurial Certified Public Accountant and former owner of several business enterprises. She has a background in accounting with proven experience in finance, project management, budgeting, cost/benefit analysis, forecasting, acquisitions, treasury management, and fostering productive employee work environments. She has expertise in effectively interacting with executives, management, staff, and key industry partners to identify and resolve complex accounting and budgetary issues and develop innovative solutions for achieving a wide range of business development strategies and financial management objectives. Prior to joining DDC, she founded and developed companies across multiple industries by improving operations and maximizing profits through productivity and efficiency enhancements and strengthening internal controls and cost reductions. Throughout her career, Dawn has demonstrated the ability to recognize and develop talent to produce healthy growth and operational excellence.

Dawn has served in senior leadership roles for over 25 years in various organizations. Her proven leadership skills, combined with an extensive financial knowledge base, have positioned her to support companies in meeting their organizational and financial objectives. Dawn has been consistently acknowledged for being motivated, resourceful, and adaptable with the ability to meet the most challenging goals due to outstanding troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills. She has often been recognized for her ability to consistently formulate innovative, cost-effective solutions to develop complex business solutions.

REBECCA BRADLEY

CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR OFFICER

Rebecca Bradley is our Chief Administrative Officer who brings 25 years of experience in human resources management and organizational administration in the federal contracting industry. Her previous leadership roles in managing nationwide, cross-functional departments at aerospace and defense companies, such as Nammo Talley and General Dynamics, represents her extensive knowledge and prowess across a broad scope of fields. In her new role, Rebecca will oversee DDC Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, Health and Safety, and Security departments while developing initiatives to support DDC’s growth and expansion. Rebecca Bradley graduated from Simpson College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History and is currently a certified Senior Professional of Human Resources. Rebecca is based in Phoenix, AZ and works from the DDC office in Scottsdale, AZ.

DANIEL RIGGS

CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

Dan Riggs, Chief Strategy Officer, brings 20 years of portfolio management and leadership experience in working for federal contracting companies, such as Booz Allen Hamilton and CSC. In these roles, he oversaw portfolios across Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial markets. As an innovative thought leader in the industry, he brings success in business development and growth sectors. In his new role, Dan will lead DDC’s strategic growth by aligning corporate goals while striving for long-term economic development for the Navajo Nation. In addition to strategic oversight of six subsidiaries, he will also provide operational oversight for four IT subsidiaries.

Dan Riggs holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and Finance from Wright State University. He was also a member of the Ohio Air National Guard and distinguished graduate of Basic Military Training School and Reserve Officer Training Corps. Dan has obtained multiple project management and technology certifications in a variety of disciplines throughout his career. Dan will be based in our Dayton, OH office.

RON C. WOOD

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Mr. Wood, a Dine’ tribal member, had a distinguished career as a federal and tribal employee and held several private sector jobs working with Native organizations and as a construction contractor. Mr. Wood currently does health administration consulting and is an aspiring writer who has written and published a book. Mr. Wood served as the Executive Officer for the Navajo Area IHS for 16 years. During this time, he also served one year as the acting Area Director for the IHS Tucson Area. Prior to this, he was a part owner and manager of a residential housing construction company for four years. He was also the Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Division of Health for four years. Prior to this he was the Executive Director of a Native urban Indian center located in Flagstaff, AZ. Mr. Wood is a US Army veteran and served 18 months in Vietnam as an Army communications Sergeant where he earned an Army Commendation Medal. He currently lives in Coalmine, NM which is near Window Rock, AZ on the Navajo reservation. He is married and has many grandchildren. Mr. Wood graduated from Arizona State University with a BS degree in Aeronautics (airport management) and from the University of California at Berkeley with an MPH degree in Behavioral Health and Administration. Mr. Wood has been on the Board of Directors of DDC since 2011.

EDWARD RICHARDS

VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Mr. Richards, a Diné tribal member, was appointed in 2004 as one of the initial members of the DDC Board of Directors, and he served for many years as it’s Secretary/Treasurer. Mr. Richards has a long and distinguished career in tribal economic development, including 27 years in the forestry industry, working with Navajo Forest Products Industries, starting out as a Road Engineer and ultimately advancing to General Manager. Mr. Richards worked for six years as a Director for the Navajo Nation Small Business Development Department and three years as the Executive Director for the Division of Economic Development. Upon retirement, Mr. Richards starting a private consulting gaming firm and served on various successful Boards of Navajo Nation business entities. Mr. Richards is married with children, and divides his time between his homes in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Navajo Nation, Window Rock, Arizona. He holds a degree in Management from Northern Arizona University.

TAZBAH MCCULLAH

SECRETARY/TREASURER OF THE BOARD

Ms. McCullah, a Diné tribal member, has an extensive professional communications career in various mediums. She was recently appointed as the new General Manager for KSFR 101.1 FM, Santa Fe Public Radio. For the previous thirteen years, Ms. McCullah served as the Marketing/Advertising Director for Indian Pueblos Marketing, Inc./Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ms. McCullah was the General Manager for KTNN/KWRK Radio (commercial stations owned by the Navajo Nation), former Press Secretary for the Office of the President, Vice President of the Navajo Nation and was associate producer for an award-winning weekly news analysis program for KAET-TV in Tempe, Arizona. Ms. McCullah was also the managing partner of the TM Group, a land-use planning and architectural design company which produced designs used on the Navajo Nation for senior centers and a multi-purpose building. Ms. McCullah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of New Mexico. Ms. McCullah is a member of the NOVA Scholarship Committee, which she helped establish in 2010.

FREDERICK WHITE

MEMBER OF THE BOARD

Frederick H. White is a Member and Owner of Building Nations LLC since 2014. The focus of BNLLC is in strategic planning, marketing and public relations and development especially with regards to Tribal communities. Mr. White has over 41 years of experience in Natural Resources, Tourism, Parks, Special Events, Economic Development and Public Relations.

BOBBY WHITE

MEMBER OF THE BOARD

Graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (Accounting Major); Employed 4 years with the international accounting firm KPMG (Albuquerque, NM) as an accountant/auditor; Employed 29 years with the Navajo Nation (largest Indian Tribe in the United States-Window Rock, Arizona), last 18 years as the Controller; Employed 9 years with the Department of Interior (Gallup, NM) as a Management Analyst.

Served as Chairperson of the Committee that established the Navajo Nation Permanent Fund in 1985. The Permanent Fund that has grown to $2 Billion with average annual investment returns of $130 million for the past 6 years. The Permanent Fund ensures the Navajo Nation’s long-term fiscal solvency. Established a state-of-the-art Investment Program in 1989 that has resulted in accumulative investment returns generating at least $600 million more than previous investments. This Investment Program has resulted in the 2016 $3 billion Navajo Nation Investment Portfolio. Pertinent performed and documented fiscal activities as the Controller were instrumental in The Navajo Nation being awarded an historic $554 million judgement in 2014 against the Federal Government for Mismanagement of Navajo Nation Trust Resources. Provided primary technical expertise and leadership involving the development of budgeting and financial policies (aka “The Appropriations Act”) for the Navajo Nation. Retired in 2013 and currently resides in Gallup, NM. Married for 38 years. Have a son and daughter, both of whom are University of Arizona graduates.