Chickahominy Indian Tribe - Eastern Division
CIT-ED Government
At the time of English settlement, the Chickahominy Indians were governed by a council of elders and religious leaders, known as “mungai” or “great men”. Today, CIT-ED is governed by a Tribal council, which consists of a Chief, Assistant Chief, Secretary, Treasurer, and at least two Councilmen.
Office positions are held for four years without term limits. Elections are held the second Saturday of every 4th April.
Joanne Howard
Chief
Tribal Administrator
Chief Joanne Howard was elected in April 2024. She has been active in the Tribal community since childhood and has a passion for the future of CIT-ED. She has served on council, was active in VITAL and federal recognition efforts, and has volunteered countless hours to the Native community.
She is a mother, grand mother, and great grandmother and enjoys spending time with family and her church community.
Candace Dickerson
Assistant Tribal Administrator
Grant Management
A proud citizen of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe - Eastern Division, Candace serves as Assistant Tribal Administrator. Instrumental in community development, Candace spearheaded the launch of the Little Arrows childcare initiative and now focuses on grant management and strategic tribal initiatives. She is deeply invested in preserving tribal heritage and building sustainable opportunities for the next generation, balancing her public service with raising four children alongside her
husband.
Morgan Martin
Program Director
Project Assistant
Elder Care Coordinator
FEMA Director
Health Services Assistant
Morgan joined the team at CIT-ED in 2021, where she now serves as the Program Director, Housing Director, and Administrative Assistant. She is a member of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe with deep roots in the local community.
Morgan resides in Charles City alongside her partner Ricky and their children, Kayson, Kaspen, and Keelyn. She is the daughter of Gina Jones Martin and the granddaughter of Alvin and Elouise Jones. Before bringing her talents to CIT-ED, Morgan dedicated 15 years to serving as an Assistant Manager for Pilot Flying J in New Kent.
Though she originally joined the organization to help with childcare, Morgan quickly became essential to daily operations. Today, she proudly wears many vital hats to support CIT-ED's programs and keep the community strong.
Keenan Stewart
Cultural Resources Director
Keenan Stewart is an enrolled citizen of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe and serves as the Cultural Resources Director for the Chickahominy Indian Tribe - Eastern Division. He is the son of Tanya and Jonathan Stewart, is engaged to Savanna, and is a proud father of three children, Michael, Kingsleigh, and Kee’nah.
Keenan is passionate about preserving and revitalizing Virginia’s Indigenous cultures, histories, and traditions. In his role at CIT-ED, he leads cultural classes and programs for elders, adults, and children, supports language revitalization by teaching the Learn, Speak, Awaken! language workshops, and represents the Tribe through the Powhatan Algonquian Intertribal Roundtable (PAIR). He is also leading the development of the E.P. Bradby “Spotted Eagle” Museum. Through his work, Keenan is dedicated to preserving tribal knowledge and ensuring Chickahominy traditions continue for future generations.
Jessica Phillips
Environmental Director
Consultations Primary Contact
Jessica is a citizen of CIT-ED. She has a Bachelor’s in Environmental Policy and Management and is a Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI) alumnus. She loves the outdoors and all the things our Great Creator has given us to enjoy. Jessica is a strong believer that it is our responsibility to take care of these gifts. She is passionate about the health of the Earth and its natural resources, with a focus on conservation and ecosystem restoration. She is a mother of 6, an herbalist, avid reader and artist, and enjoys spending time among the trees.
Timothy Emery
Director Of Finance
Tim Emery is a citizen of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe – Eastern Division and traces his lineage through his father, Ryland Emery, son of Anita Bradby Emery. Anita was the granddaughter of the Chickahominy Tribe’s first Chief, Henry Adkins, and niece of CIT-ED’s first Chief, Edward Pemberton Bradby.
After more than 20 years on the West Coast, Tim returned home with a strong commitment to serving his tribal family and community. He brings nearly 40 years of professional experience, beginning as an accountant and advancing into senior leadership roles, including Chief Administrative Officer and Tribal Administrator.
Tim lives in Williamsburg with his husband, Trevor—a disabled Gulf War veteran—and their service dog, Tanner. He enjoys gardening, family genealogy, and rediscovering his love of playing the guitar.
Stacey Montgomery
Deputy Finance Assistant
Stacey is an active member of the Chickahominy Tribe. In previous years, she served as Junior Miss Chickahominy and Miss Chickahominy where she proudly represented her Tribe participating in events and Powwows and has actively worked in the food booths at Chickahominy’s annual Powwow for many years. Stacey is married, lives in Providence Forge and is deeply rooted in her faith. Before coming to CIT-ED, she worked as Training Coordinator for Eurofins Scientific in the Quality Assurance Department. She came onboard with CIT-ED in January 2022 where she assisted with childcare for a short time and later transitioned to an administrative role helping where needed. She later transitioned to her current position of Deputy Finance Assistant.