The Native American Youth and Family Center’s Board Selects Oscar Arana as Permanent CEO
Media Contact: Ann Takamoto
Director of Development and Communications
Native American Youth and Family Center
(503) 288-8177, ext 206
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Native American Youth and Family Center’s Board Selects Oscar Arana as Permanent CEO
PORTLAND, ORE. (July 17, 2024) – The Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce Oscar Arana (Chichimeca) as the organization’s permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. This decision follows an extensive national search and comes after Arana’s successful year of service as Interim CEO.
Oscar Arana has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep commitment to the mission and values of NAYA. His tenure as Interim CEO has been marked by significant achievements in advancing the organization’s goals, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing programs that support Native American youth and families.
“NAYA continues to be an organization that invests in its people. Time and time again we prove the benefit of this investment as we model a self-sustaining, empowered community that believes in itself,” said Molly Washington (N’dee/Apache), Chair of the Board of Directors. “Oscar’s growth within NAYA and his commitment to the organization, which has now culminated in his new role as the permanent CEO, exemplifies our cultural values around reciprocity, servant leadership, and community. It is an honor and a blessing to have Oscar continue in the role of CEO, ensuring that our work moves forward seamlessly, with creativity, sophistication, passion, and heart.”
“NAYA is in great hands with the steady leadership of Oscar Arana. He has a proven track record of success along with his impressive dedication to Portland’s Native community. I’m so pleased to see that NAYA’s momentum of deep investments in Native community will continue for many years to come,”
said Paul Lumley (Citizen of the Yakama Nation), CEO of the Cascade AIDS Project and NAYA’s previous CEO.
Arana brings more than 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, community development, and advocacy, including 14 years of service in various leadership roles at NAYA.
Before serving as Interim CEO, he was NAYA’s Community Development Director where he was instrumental in expanding community prosperity programs, and housing and business development opportunities, including affordable housing development.
“I am honored and humbled by the trust the Board has placed in me and the community leaders who encouraged me to pursue this role,” said Arana. “I look forward to continue partnering with the board, our dedicated staff, clients, elders, community members and partners so NAYA continues being a nationally recognized model for serving the Native American community.
Arana’s leadership has been pivotal in navigating the CEO transition over the past year as NAYA celebrates its 50th Anniversary, and his visionary approach has set a solid foundation for NAYA’s continued growth for the next 50 years. As CEO, he will focus on expanding NAYA’s programs and services, fostering sustainable growth, strengthening internal systems, and ensuring the organization remains a vital resource for the Native American community.
Community Leadership Testimonials:
“Oscar Arana brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to our community’s well-being. As a lifelong community member, I am honored to welcome him as CEO of the NAYA Family Center, where his vision and dedication will undoubtedly propel us forward.”
Se-ah-dom Edmo (Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce, and Yakama) Executive Director, Seeding Justice
“Throughout NARA NW we are so excited to learn that Oscar Arana is the new CEO of NAYA! Oscar has proven his leadership and I am looking forward to continuing to strengthen our strong collaborations, particularly in housing, that will benefit our community. Congratulations to NAYA and our community!”
Jackie Mercer, CEO, Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest
“I am very pleased with the selection of Oscar Arana as the CEO of NAYA. His knowledge and expertise were instrumental in implementing the two affordable housing partnerships, Nesika Illahee and Mamook Tokatee, in NE Portland. I’m excited for the future of NAYA under his leadership.”
Sami Jo Difuntorum, Executive Director, Siletz Tribal Housing Department
“I would like to extend a big congratulations to Oscar Arana for being selected by the Board of Directors as the new CEO of NAYA! Oscar totally stepped up as the interim CEO and his leadership shined. I admire his dedication and service to the community, and I know that his vision will continue to bring the best for the youth, families, and elders. As a community partner, I look forward to supporting Oscar and NAYA in the valuable services they provide to our people.”
Jillene Joseph (A’aniiih), Executive Director, Native Wellness Institute
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About Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)
Founded by the community, for the community, the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) is a family of numerous tribes and voices who are rooted in sustaining tradition and building cultural wealth. NAYA offers holistic wraparound services that serve infants to Elders. NAYA provides a range of cultural, educational, health, housing, economic development, and community engagement programs, supporting our community to create stability and prosperity, strengthen cultural identity, build leadership and civic engagement and reach self-determination. Our mission is to enhance the diverse strengths of our youth and families in partnership with the community through cultural identity and education. For more information visit nayapdx.org