The Cowlitz Economic Authority (CEA) announced the appointment of Jesse Downs as its first chief executive officer (CEO) following a national search for a leader to guide the tribe’s long-term economic strategy on Monday, Nov. 3.
Downs, an enrolled member of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, has held key executive roles in Native-owned businesses for more than a decade and managed multi-billion-dollar projects in emerging markets. She previously served in leadership positions with the Native-owned GovTech software company Tribal Enterprises and in tribal administration, a CEA press release stated.
“The Cowlitz Economic Authority represents an incredible opportunity for our Tribe to give back to our people through successful business endeavors,” Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman and CEA Chairman William Iyall said in the release. “The appointment of our new CEO ensures that we have the leadership in place to carry forward this vision and continue creating opportunities that support our Tribal members and communities across Washington State.”
The CEA, established in 2024, oversees the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s business ventures and investments, including Q’anapsu, the Cowlitz Tobacco Outlet and the Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority, which manages ilani. The agency also announced the hiring of Chief of Staff Tiffini Johnson, a longtime tribal employee who will help align the CEA’s efforts with the tribe’s broader economic goals.
