LEADING THE WAY

Like any successful company, great leadership and vision allows AREA to achieve its mission year after year.

Richard Luarkie

Tamaya Ventures

Dr. Richard Luarkie is President & CEO of Tamaya Ventures, formerly Southern Sandoval Investments, Ltd. Tamaya Ventures is a federally charted, Section 17 Federally Chartered Corporation wholly owned by the Pueblo of Santa Ana. Tamaya Ventures has the charge and responsibility to bring economic diversification, strategic partnerships, property & real estate development, and investment to the Pueblo and the region.

Most recently, Dr. Luarkie was instrumental in attracting Tesla to New Mexico and locating them on Santa Ana Tribal lands. Strategic partnerships with global, regional, and local companies in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Manufacturing (S.T.E.A.M.) industries are key targets for Tamaya Ventures’ economic and asset development strategy. In addition, developing and investing in the property that is designated for economic development in Santa Ana is of equal priority.

Dr. Luarkie has served in various local and national leadership roles, has served on various boards and committees, including on the Board of Trustees for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, and has served two-terms as the Governor for the Pueblo of Laguna.

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