ROHNERT PARK, Calif. (February 9, 2024) – The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) today announced the appointment of Alva V. Johnson as Executive Director of Tribal Administration. Johnson brings more than 15 years of Tribal Government experience to this new position. In this role, Johnson is responsible for overseeing all operational functions of the Tribe and will report directly to Greg Sarris, Tribal Chairman for FIGR.
“We are proud and honored to have Alva on our team,” said Chairman Sarris. “His public policy and management expertise will help us continue to support our communities and advance our mission of social justice and environmental stewardship.”
Johnson was most recently the Director of the California State Lottery, supervising all operations.
Johnson previously worked in the California Legislature, the Governor’s Office, and for several California Indian Tribes on a wide variety of issues, including education, tribal gaming, public safety and the preservation of sacred sites. He managed governmental affairs for several federally recognized Indian Tribes in California, including the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from CSU East Bay, and a Master of Public Policy degree from UC Berkeley.