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
Candace is a proud CIT-ED Citizen and our Assistant Tribal Administrator. Candace is married with four children – Cameron, Kensleigh, Weston and Hudson. Having aided during the virtual learning processes of the shut-down she became deeply invested in the future of the Tribe.
Candace led the creation of our childcare program Little Arrows. In 2024 she took on the assistant administrator position. Her duties also include but are not limited to grant management and grant funding.
Morgan Martin
Programs Director, Project Assistant, Elder Care Coordinator, FEMA Director, Health Services Assistant
Morgan is an active member of the Chickahominy Tribe. Her mother is Gina Jones Martin, her grandparents are Alvin Jones and Eliouse Jones. She lives in Charles City with her partner Ricky and children Kayson and Kaspen. Before coming to CIT-ED she worked as Assistant Manager for Pilot Flying J in New Kent for 15 years. Morgan also came to assist with childcare, and quickly became instrumental to supporting all programs and services. She is our Project Assistant, Elder Care Coordinator, FEMA Director, and Health Services Assistant.
Keenan Stewart
Cultural Resources Director
Keenan is a member of the Chickahominy Tribe, he works with the Elders, adults and children to develop our cultural and youth programs at CIT-ED. He is the son of Tanya and Jonathan Stewart and is pursuing his passion for music while furthering his education. Keenan has a passion for all things cultural and is a strong contribution to the overall Cultural revitalization for the Tribes. He is a key leader for the Awaken our language that has been asleep program. He is rebuilding CITED museum to bring it to a higher level of information and education standards.
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.
Nakoma Gonzalez
Enrollment Director
Nakoma is a CIT-ED Citizen and has a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Old Dominion University. While in school Nakoma has tutored many of the CIT-ED youth, assisted with the childcare program, and now supports the Tribe as the Enrollment Officer. Nakoma has also been instrumental in supporting the office staff by organizing computer files, updating financial spreadsheets for use, and assisting where needed.