Board Candidates 2026-2027 Term

Officer Candidates

Vice-Chair
Fredericka Joseph

Fredericka is an enrolled member of the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma and Cherokee on her mother’s side. She was a federal employee for 32 years working at several agencies such as: the Department of the Army, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. She has a degree in Human Services and is a Lifetime and Founding Board Member of the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE).

She served as the Chair of the SAIGE from January of 2015 to December 2025, and she currently serves as the Vice-Chair. Fredericka has experience in Equal Employment Opportunity Programs where she served in many roles including Special Emphasis Program Manager (SEPM) for several agencies. She was trained in mediation at the Justice Center of Atlanta, followed two years later with an advanced course on facilitation. She also served as an EEO Counselor, Mediator, Team Leader, Trainer, and Facilitator. She has a degree in Human Services and is a Lifetime and Founding Board Member of the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE). Freddie also holds a Lifetime Membership with Federally Employed Women National Organization (FEW).

I am interested in serving as Vice Chair for another term. Over the past ten years I served as Chair I was blessed with meeting leaders from agencies and organizations that served as resources for SAIGE. I want to continue growing SAIGE by bringing more attention about SAIGE to more tribal communities and providing these communities information about the training opportunities SAIGE provides on issues relevant to Indian Country that would benefit their employees.

Treasurer
Sue Morris

I am Sue Morris, Comanche Nation enrollee originally from SW Oklahoma. I am a lifetime member of SAIGE and have served on the SAIGE board since 2011. I am the current treasurer for the organization. I was appointed by the Chair to fill the treasurer position when the elected treasurer stepped away from SAIGE. The following election cycle I was elected.

I have also been honored to serve as Co-Chair for two National Training Programs as well as tribal liaison for other NTP’s. I am a member and former officer (treasurer and president) for the Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women. OFIW is the sponsor of the scholarship pageant for Miss Indian Oklahoma as well as several statewide awards for deserving Oklahoma American Indians and deserving community members supporting tribal people initiatives. I am a member of Comanche Indian Veterans Association (CIVA) auxiliary which assists with color guard support for various Indian and non-native groups throughout the SW, and the Walters Service Club, the founding organization for the Comanche Homecoming Powwow.

I also served two terms on the board of trustees for the Comanche Nation College. I am graduate of Cameron University and retired from the Corps of Engineers after 30 years. Before working for the Corps I worked for the Department of Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In my spare time I am a gardener and a baker in addition to being an avid reader. I am a staunch fan of the Oklahoma Sooners and am a season ticket holder for over 25 years.

Board of Directors

JoAnn Brant

JoAnn has been a Human Capital Support Specialist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for over two decades. She has worked with students for placement in the Pathways Program, Mayor Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, and student volunteer positions. JoAnn received an Office of Administration and Resource Management Award and an Award for Outstanding Contribution and Commitment to the Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program.

Other awards included the Suzanne E. Olive Award for Exemplary Leadership in National EEO-Non-Managerial for her efforts in creating innovative approaches, building constructive relationships, and successfully managing employment outreach. JoAnn received the Bronze Medal for Commendable Service for exemplary performance supporting EPA’s outreach to the American Indian and Alaska Native Communities.

As part of her outreach efforts to Native American students, JoAnn coordinates the Student Program for the Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) at the annual training program. The SAIGE Student Program encourages Native American college students to realize their potential to provide leadership in their communities and consider government careers. JoAnn received a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the University of Buffalo. She owned her business for seven years, providing Native American health clinics and hospitals with medical supplies and equipment. She is an enrolled member of the Oneida Thames Indian Nation and from the Bear Clan. JoAnn will be retiring from Federal Service at the end of the year.

Having worked with the SAIGE Board since the inception of the Student Program, I’ve gained valuable insights into its mission and impact. My ongoing involvement, primarily outside the Board due to my employment, has sparked my desire to contribute more directly. I believe that stepping into a Board Member role would enable me to serve SAIGE more effectively and help drive our initiatives forward.

Phil Hamel

Hello fellow SAIGE members,
My name is Philip (Phil) Hamel. I retired from the Federal Correctional Institution in Ray Brook, NY in 2019 where I worked as the Environmental and Safety Compliance Administrator.

I’ve served on the Board as a Director and/or as Secretary of SAIGE from 2008 – 2025 with a brief interlude around 2021-2023. While employed I served as the Native American Special Emphasis Program Manager (SEPM) from 1997- 2019 at Ray Brook. I was recognized by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) with SEPM awards for four separate years, and in 2016 received a SAIGE Award for Leadership. These awards were for my efforts in education, outreach and commitment to American Indian and Alaska Native issues, and the dissemination of information regarding various American Indian issues both within the BOP and to outside organizations.

While at Ray Brook, I utilized my many contacts to educate staff on American Indian and Alaska Native issues, and to have native Spiritual Leaders come in to speak with American Indian inmates in hopes of decreasing their recidivism. I also have a close connection with the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center in Onchiota, New York.

I am a longtime SAIGE member who actively participates in organizing, supporting and volunteering at the SAIGE National Training Program each year. I live with my wife of 37 years in upstate New York. I would be honored if you would consider supporting me to be re-elected the board of the Society of American Indian Government Employees.