Meet the Board

Board Treasurer & Co-Founder

Jordynn Paz is Apsaalooké from Garryowen, MT on the Crow Reservation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism & Native American Studies from the University of Montana. Her passion is Indigenous storytelling and writing for her people.

"My hopes for Apsaalooke Immiio and the Crow people is that we can bring economic prosperity back into our communities. I hope we can access resources to uplift, encourage, and invest in the talent that exists on our reservation and that Apsaalooke Immiio can open many doors of opportunity to create positive change.

Board Chair

John is a lifelong resident of Makawasha in Crow Agency, MT. He has seen and lived the highs and lows of our Crow community. He is a member of the Apsáalooke Nation in Montana. John served as a county commissioner in Big Horn County for nearly 24 years. He is a co-founder and board member of Plenty Doors Community Development Corporation. He currently serves as the board chair for Crow Public Utilities, is a founding member of the Crow Environmental Health Steering Committee. He is 12 years and counting at Little Big Horn College leading the Crow Water Quality Project.

“Our organization consists of young energy and old knowledge. My hope for Apsaalooke Immiio is to bring a return of strength as we work together. I strongly believe that one of the ways to halt our way through challenging times is through our own efforts .”

Board Member

Angela Russell is a devoted Apsaalooke women who loves her people. She received a bachelor’s from Montana State Univeristy -Bozeman and a law degree from Tulane University. As an advocate and attorney, she has served in numerous civic positions serving Apsaalooke people, Big Horn County residents, as well as contributing to the greater state of Montana as a member of the House of Representatives from the 99th district. Angela is proud member of the Mighty Few District and is dedicated to efforts that advance Apsáalooke people.

Board Member & Co-Founder

Jae Hugs is from Hardin, MT and was born and raised in Crow Agency, MT on the Crow Reservation. He is Apsáalooke and currently works for the Apsáalooke Nation Executive Branch. Jae holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Gonzaga University. He loves spending time traveling, watching The Ole Miss Rebels, and being with his dog, Molly.

“It is my hope that Apsaalooke Immio brings economic growth to the Crow Reservation, by giving the Crow people opportunities to lift themselves and others up. By investing in our future, we can and will make a better tomorrow for the Crow people.”

Board Secretary

Bill Yellowtail who is Apsáalooke grew up on his family's cattle ranch on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. Holding a degree in geography from Dartmouth College, Bill has been a rancher, educator, fishing guide, Montana State Senator and congressional candidate. He also served as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the Clinton administration, with responsibility for six western states and 27 Indian Tribes. He serves on the Boards of Directors of Humanities Montana, the Burton K. Wheeler Center and the National Audubon Society.