Thomas Tortez

After graduation from Coleman University, Thomas Tortez enlisted in the United States Navy and after 8 years of combined active and reserve duty, received an Honorable Discharge in 1993. He served as an Avionics Technician for the F-14 Tomcat Fighter Aircraft Navy Squadron VF-302 and on the U.S.S. Enterprise Aircraft Carrier. Following his military service, Chairman Tortez joined the Civil Service on North Island Naval Air Base, San Diego and trained personnel for the S3A Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft via Flight Simulator maneuvers. He served as a Wildland Firefighter for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for several years. Chairman Tortez was elected as Tribal Council Chairman in late 2016 and assumed service on January 2, 2017. He was re-elected for a second term until 2024.