Teresa Ray Bumatay

Executive-level Tribal workforce and public administration leader with more than fourteen years of progressively responsible experience in Tribal Employment Rights Office operations, workforce development, contractor compliance, public administration, and program leadership. Demonstrated success building programs from the ground up, developing sustainable workforce systems, managing multimillion-dollar revenues and operations, and coordinating with Tribal leadership, contractors, federal and state agencies, labor organizations, and community stakeholders.

Director – Lummi Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO) at Lummi Nation (2022-01 – 2026-12)

Directed and administered TERO operations, workforce systems, contractor compliance, and public service programs.

• Managed and monitored more than $6 million in TERO-generated revenues and workforce-related funding systems.
• Led apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathway development.
• Developed and oversaw the High Hazard Facility Training (HHFT) Certification Program.
• Launched and administered TWIC/TSA Enrollment Center operations.
• Established Federal and State fingerprinting and background check services.
• Developed and expanded TERO Temporary Employment Services.
• Led policy, procedure, and Title 25 ordinance revision efforts.
• Managed staff, contracts, grants, budgets, and strategic initiatives.
• Worked directly with Tribal leadership, attorneys, contractors, unions, and agencies.

Progressive Leadership Roles – Lummi TERO (Temporary Flagger, Receptionist, Intake Specialist, Administrative Coordinator, Deputy Director, Director) at Lummi Nation (2011-01 – 2022-12)

Progressed through multiple roles developing firsthand knowledge of TERO systems from frontline through executive leadership.

• Supported intake, compliance, administration, and workforce systems.
• Assisted with operational planning, budgeting, and program coordination.
• Developed firsthand knowledge of TERO systems from frontline through executive leadership.

Bachelor's Degree in Tribal Governance, Business Management, Public & Tribal Administration – Northwest Indian College