Native American Contractors Announces New Executive Director Kevin Allis

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

Kevin J. Allis-Potawatomi

Native Brief: WASHINGTON - The Board of Directors of the Native American Contractors Association announced Tuesday that they have selected Kevin J. Allis as the organization's new Executive Director.

“We welcome Kevin to NACA with enthusiasm,”

stated Native American Contractors Association Chairman Lance Morgan.

"Kevin has experience working with Tribes throughout Indian Country and has led his tribes' efforts to expand into the government contracting arena."

Mr. Allis joins Native American Contractors Association following eight years as a practicing lawyer. He spent over four years working for PilieroMazza, PLLC, a well-known government contracting law firm that specializes in serving small businesses in the 8(a) program. Prior to his time at PilieroMazza, PLLC, he practiced law at Kollman & Saucier P.A., a Maryland employment and civil practice law firm. Mr. Allis also served in law enforcement for seven years.

Mr. Allis is a tribal member of the Forest County Potawatomi Community and serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Potawatomi Business Development Corporation, the government contracting arm of the Forest County Potawatomi. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore. He attended Louisiana State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Baltimore. Mr. Allis is admitted to practice law in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

“I understand the unique economic development challenges tribes face and the hope and opportunity Native 8(a) brings our people,”

Mr. Allis stated.

"I am very excited to join the NACA team and look forward to working with NACA members and the Native community to advocate for the Native 8(a) program and provide meaningful training and business opportunities for our members."

Sarah Lukin, who has served as Interim Executive Director since last fall while the Native American Contractors Association Board searched for a permanent Executive Director, will return to Alaska and resume her full-time position as Sr. Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Afognak Native Corporation. She will also return to her position on the Native American Contractors Association Board of Directors, which she stepped down from while serving as Interim Executive Director.

"Kevin is a strong asset for NACA and the Native community. I am thrilled to have him join our team and I look forward to working with him on Native 8(a) issues,"

Ms. Lukin stated.

Ms. Lukin and Mr. Allis will work closely on transition planning over the next few weeks. Mr. Allis' first day at the Native American Contractors Association will be February 27.

posted February 22, 2012 7:50 am est