BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Our Board of Trustees play a crucial role in guiding and overseeing the activities of Texas Native Health. This dedicated group of individuals are responsible for ensuring that the organization achieves its mission, operates ethically, remains financially stable, and makes certain that all activities and decisions align with these fundamental principles. Their dedication and commitment are vital to the organization’s success in achieving its mission and making a positive impact in the community.
Heath Clayton, Board Chair (Chickasaw)
Heath Clayton is the Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Consumer & Community Banking at JPMorgan Chase.. Heath is an expert in Residence at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz School of Public Policy advising on corporate social responsibility and diversity & inclusion, and previously served as a professor of Corporate Social Responsibility at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business for four years. He serves on the Board of Directors for Out for Undergrad and is the Chairman of Texas Native Health’s Board of Trustees. Heath is Chickasaw and attended Carnegie Mellon University for graduate school in Public Policy and Management on a tribal affairs fellowship.
Christina Cox, Board Vice-Chair (Choctaw)
Christina Cox resides in Midlothian, TX and is an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Christina has come full circle from utilizing Texas Native Health’s WIOA program to obtain her associate degree from Dallas College-El Centro, working as a paralegal for many years. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and became the Administrator of a Law Firm. She now additionally serves as the Vice-Chair on the TNH Board of Trustees. Christina enjoys spending time with her family, serving her community, and volunteering with TNH and other nonprofit organizations.
Rachel Salinas, Board Treasurer (Lipan Apache)
Rachel is an enrolled member of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas. She is currently serving as the National President for Inter-Tribal Council of AT&T Employees (ICAE). Rachel currently serves as a Senior Project Program Manager for the Compensation Design team at AT&T. Rachel is the founder of the annual ICAE Native American Heritage Month Powwow at AT&T Discovery District in Dallas.
Samantha Perry, Board Secretary
Being involved in the technology and diversity/inclusion ecosystem, Samantha is excited to utilize her knowledge and experiences to support Texas Native Health and its community. She is dedicated to the education, engagement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing with the aim of respecting and celebrating indigenous peoples and their cultures.
Yulandor Plater, Board Member
Yulandor is an astute entrepreneur with multiple businesses. Moreover, he brings a diverse background of product management, sales, marketing, and organizational development experience. Yulandor has serves on several boards for community involvement and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Head Start of Greater Dallas.
Jessica Johnson (Chickasaw)
Jessica Johnson is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, with Seminole and Mississippi Choctaw tribal affiliations. She graduated from Texas’ Woman’s University in 2019, with a degree in Bachelor of Applied Science, with a major in General Business. She volunteers for many organizations, such as, Beyond Bows and Arrows Radio Show, University of Texas at Arlington Native American Student Association, North Texas Chickasaw Community Council, and many more organizations.
Kearston Freeman, Board Member (Caddo)
Kearston is a Citizen of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma. Kearston currently serves her community by being on the Board of Trustees for Texas Native Health and the Metro Caddo Culture Club. She enjoys participating in Caddo Dances in Binger, Oklahoma and Inter-Tribal dances. In her spare time volunteers for Local and National political campaigns, and serves as an alternate judge during elections.
Joshua Arce, Board Member (Prairie Band Potawatomie)
Joshua Arce is President & CEO of Partnership with Native Americans. A member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Josh has more than 20 years of experience in education management, social work and business development. He is also experienced in tribal law and governance; applied indigenous leadership; and after-school, youth, foster care and housing programs for low-income families. Josh actively supports the advancement of Native communities.
Steven Cain, Board Member
Steven is a CPA with multiple years of experience in auditing health care organizations in the middle market. Prior to becoming a CPA, he was a social worker who worked with families and children in the Austin region. When Steven isn't working, he is enjoying time with his family and making his daughter laugh!
LaRay Guerrero, Board Member (Haliwa-Saponi)
LaRay is an enrolled member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe and Apache on his father’s side. LaRay earned his bachelor’s degree in forensic science at Baylor University. He is currently employed as the Deputy Chief Field Agent for Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office and serves as the Presentations Coordinator for the Indigenous Cultures Institute. He is a founding member of Indigenous ACE (an indigenous performance group) and has been heavily involved in native culture and customs since a young age.
Phelicia Hughes, Board Member (Florida Seminole)
Phelicia Hughes is a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. She grew up in the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and is currently a Mental Health Therapist in North Texas, serving teens and young adults. Phelicia enjoys serving the Native American community in any way that she can.
Jacey Sloat, Board Member
Jacey Sloat is a registered nurse with over three decades of experience working in the various critical care units of hospitals. Outside of nursing, she enjoys spending time with my family and friends, and focusing on the needs of the Native American Community as a member of the Texas Native Health Board of Trustees.
Board Member Eligibility:
Qualifications for Trustees are as follows:
Any Native American or non-Native American who is:
- Willing and able to serve the full length of the elected term, including attendance and participation in regular, special, and committee meetings.
- At least eighteen (18) years of age.
- Has resided in Texas for a minimum of one (1) year.
- Willing to complete a criminal background check.
- Agrees to comply with the Corporation’s Conflict of Interest Policy, Bylaws, Policies & Procedures, etc.
- Passionate about the mission of Texas Native Health.
- Possess industry-related influence, expertise, knowledge, etc.
Former employees are not eligible to serve as a Trustee for 5 years following separation.
Immediate family members of current employees are not eligible to serve as a Trustee.