Leadership

Enrolled member of the Navajo “Dine” Nation, I am of the Toa’hani’ Clan (Near the Water), born for the Ts’yisk’dnii’ Clan (Sage Brush Hill). My maternal clan is Ta’baahi (Water’s Edge), and my paternal clan is Tse’nahabil’nii’ (Sleep Rock People).   

I am honored and humbled to serve in this new position as the Associate Deputy Director of Navajo BIE. My 34 years of educational services started in the public school system as an elementary teacher, eventually becoming a principal at the elementary and high school levels. I also served as an elected official in the capacity of a public-school board member. In 2009, I joined the Bureau of Indian Education starting as a principal at Hunters Point Boarding School, and later joining the BIE administrative team as a, Education Program Specialist, and the Special Assistant to the Associate Deputy Director. Through my multiple roles and important work with my colleagues, I am aware and conscious of the strong contributions of families, educators and Tribal Leaders who inform my work and help to guide the goals that I have long established. As the new Associate Deputy Director, my goal is to continue to lead our staff, support the BIE Strategic Direction and Priorities and work tirelessly to serve our Navajo children in leading and providing them with high quality academic and cultural opportunities to be successful. Our children deserve our very best every day!   

The Associate Deputy Director - Navajo Schools supports both BIE-operated and tribally controlled schools serving the Navajo Nation as well as manages Education Resource Centers that serve the Navajo Nation.

His duty location and office are located in Lawrence, KS.

Dr. Tamarah Pfeiffer (Dinế) serves as the President of Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. Her career as an educator encompasses more than 43 years as a teacher and administrator in public, grant and contract schools.   

Dr. Pfeiffer holds a Bachelors of Arts in Education from the University of New Mexico (1990) with an emphasis teaching English as a Foreign Language, a Masters of Arts in English from the Breadloaf School of English (1999), and a Doctorate of Education with a specialization in Educational Administration and American Indians from the Pennsylvania State University (2006).

In her role as president, Pfeiffer recognizes the importance of leadership, maximizing employees strengths, motivating, team building and implementing a sound vision to achieve educational success.   

Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute is located in Albuquerque, NM.

Jackie Shamblin has served as the BIE Human Resources Officer (HRO) at the BIE since 2018. He was born and raised in Oklahoma and brings more than 30 years of expertise in human resources and labor relations. Shamblin previously worked for the U.S. Department of Navy (Atlantic) as their Command Human Resources Director; Agency Employee and Labor Relations Officer for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco GA; and Senior Employee Relations Specialist and Director of Human Resources Operations for the Food Safety Inspection Service in Minneapolis, MN. In the Director role, he had oversight of staffing, recruitment, benefits, payroll and the Delegated Examining units. 

Prior, Shamblin was the HRO for the Veterans Administration Medical Center located in Augusta, GA for three years where he managed staffing and recruitment, employee/labor relations, payroll, processing and records, Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), benefits, and position management. He also spent time overseas in South Korea for the Department of the Army as an Employee and Labor Relations Specialist. Shamblin served as a Supervisory Employee and Labor Relations Officer and a Staff Development Training Specialist with Indian Health Services. 

Shamblin is a military veteran and a former Federal Law Enforcement Officer. His duty location and office are located in Albuquerque, NM.

The Communications Specialist supports BIE Director's office, three regional Associate Deputy Director’s offices and Education Resource Centers. Works as a liaison with the Indian Affairs Public Affairs Office, media, the public, and other Federal and state agencies to provide information on BIE's programs and activities. 

Ventura Lovato, a member of the Santo Domingo Pueblo, serves as the BIE’s acting chief performance officer. Ms. Lovato has over 17 years of extensive experience in developing community-based programs, delivering professional development training, designing education policy, and providing data-informed decision making. She supports the BIE’s mission in providing high quality educational opportunities for students at BIE-funded schools that is reflective of the students’ cultural identities and their communities.  Ms. Lovato holds an MBA in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico and is based in Albuquerque, NM. 

Kylie Morden serves as the Administrative Officer supporting the Director and Central Office staff. She manages scheduling for the Director and Chief of Staff. 

Morden graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Siena Heights University located in Adrian, MI. Prior to joining the BIE, she worked in state government for 16 years as a supervisor and staff trainer with the central focus on driving change to make the work environment and organizational culture the top priority. She strives for employee engagement and inclusion, professional and personal development opportunities for herself and staff, and serving others to the best of her abilities. She is enthusiastic about BIE's vision and mission in excellence, focus, integrity, respect, and providing the best possible service to its students and schools. 

Her duty location and office are located in Washington, DC.