October is Election Time for the CNCV. We are grateful to those willing to volunteer their valuable time and energy giving back to our community!

For our upcoming election, we have four Board Member seats opening. Board terms are for 2 years with seats being staggered to ensure continuity (three seats for one election cycle and four for the next).

At the October 25 membership meeting, the Board member election will occur in-person by secret ballot distributed to current members in good standing. The completed ballots will be collected by the Election Committee with newly elected Board members announced as soon as tallying is complete.

The annual election is for maintaining seven Board member seats, rather than electing to specific Board positions. Soon after the election, the new Board will call a meeting to determine who will fill particular Board positions as this is reviewed annually. These positions and duties are Chair (previously Spokesperson), Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Chair, Membership Coordinator/Alternate Secretary, Events Coordinator, Communications, and Historian. Expectations for Board members: serve a term of two years, remain in good standing, attend at least 67% of monthly Board meetings and at least 67% of scheduled general meetings, function in a Board position, and contribute significantly to work done by CNCV (i.e., help plan and implement events, ensure ongoing operations, and fulfill duties specific to one’s positions, with positions reviewed annually).

NOTE: Following CCO Policies and Procedures for At-Large Organizations (2024), “The governing board of an At-Large Organization will be comprised of a minimum of 51% Cherokee Citizens. The Board officers are required to be Cherokee Citizens to include the Chair, Asst. Chair, Secretary/Treasurer."

Please see candidates below, in alphabetical order.

Candidate: Mary Crenshaw

Volunteer
Cherokee Nation citizen: Yes
Statement:
Osiyo,
My name is Mary Crenshaw, and I’m honored to submit my candidacy for the position of Treasurer for the Cherokees of Northern Central Valley. I am seeking this role with a sincere desire to give back to the community that has given me connection, identity, and pride in our shared Cherokee heritage.
I believe that service to our group is a meaningful way to honor our ancestors and preserve the strength of our culture for future generations. As Treasurer, I would bring a sense of responsibility, transparency, and dedication to ensure our financial resources are handled with care and integrity. I understand that managing the group’s finances isn’t just about numbers—it’s about supporting the work we do together, whether it’s organizing cultural events, supporting education, or helping one another in the spirit of gadugi.
With a 25-year background in finance—specifically in managing credit balances, insurance overpayments, and refunds at UC Davis Health—I’m confident in my ability to keep accurate records, plan responsibly, and work closely with leadership to make thoughtful decisions that benefit the whole group.
This community has deep meaning for me, and I want to help it grow stronger. I hope to serve as Treasurer not just to manage funds—but to contribute to the legacy we are building together. Wado!

Candidate: Elena Hansen

Associate Board Member
Cherokee Nation citizen: Yes
Statement:
Osiyo Nigadv!
Elena Hansen daquadoa, Manteca, California tsinela. Lemoore, California aquatvsv ale Hanford aquadena. Agidoda Fred Hansen dudo tsigesv ale agitsi Mary Hansen dudo. Aginisi Pauline Hansen dudo tsigesv. Saquu ayotli agika. Atsutsa aquetsi William Hansen-Roberts dudo. Talidu uteyiduda. Tali gitli ale nvgi wesa detsinatla.
Tsi tsalagi tsiyvwiya. Anitsisqua digiyvwi.
Hello everyone!
My name is Elena Hansen and I live in Manteca, California. I was born in Hanford, California and was raised in Lemoore. My father was Fred Hansen (tsigesv) and my mother is Mary Hansen. My paternal grandmother was Pauline Hansen (tsigesv) from the Webbers Falls community, and my Cherokee family include the Choate, Riley, Gunter lines of the Gans community, and I am also a Ross descendant. I am a Cherokee Nation citizen.
I first became involved with Cherokees of the Northern Central Valley in Fall, 2023 and became a member the following year. During that time, it has been a joy and a pleasure to be a part of this community where I have met so many brilliant, talented, and compassionate Cherokees who have shared their knowledge of Cherokee culture, language, and history with me as I have been reconnecting with my heritage, and I hope to be able to reciprocate that knowledge and passion with others. It is important to me to learn, celebrate, and share our culture with one another, and to implement the Cherokee Community Values in as many aspects of our lives as possible, whether that is through community service, learning to speak our language, practicing our traditional skills (such as basketry or finger weaving), or simply coming together in community to enjoy one another’s company. It is for those reasons that I intend to run as a candidate for the CNCV board.
ᏩᏙ/Wado.

Candidate: Sabrina McKinney

Board Member
Current role: Chair, Communications Director
Cherokee Nation citizen: Yes
Statement:
Osiyo, Dr. Sabrina McKinney daquadoa. Tsitsalagi ale tsitsunitlvgi disdelisgi ditinidohi. My name is Dr. Sabrina McKinney. I’m Cherokee and a nursing director. When I’m not volunteering with the CNCV, I lead an amazing team providing nursing professional development and serve on professional boards.
You may know me from making our Campout Indian taco dinner, giving away heirloom seeds and tobacco from my garden, teaching chunkey, sharing homemade acorn cookies, speaking Cherokee blessings, and presenting on gardening and values. I’m dedicated to advancing our language, culture, history, and fellowship. This work feeds my soul as I hope it does yours.
I carry deep pride in my heritage. I’ve been a citizen since the Mankiller administration thanks to my wonderful Cherokee grandparents tsigesv, who came from Adair County and embodied our Cherokee values. I hope to carry forward their legacy by promoting our community values and culture. I’m glad to be reconnected after losing touch with the original group I participated with 25 years ago.
It has been an honor to serve as Chairperson for the last two years. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to earn Organization of the Year. I envision a bright future for us, filled with community, language, culture, and serving together in the spirit of gadugi.
As Cherokees, we hold fire as sacred. It has been said that an eternal flame lives within our hearts. When we forget who we are, where we came from, our ancestors, language, culture, the flame will go out. We work hard to make a meaningful impact for our community. None of us can do it alone. Together, we remain strong as we continue to feed that eternal flame in our hearts. I hope you will join us in this work, feeding our fire. And I hope to continue serving you.

Candidate: Mike Webb

Board Member
Current role: Cultural Center
Cherokee Nation citizen: Yes
Statement:
I've been a continual CNCV member from our inception in 2007. I served as a board member and treasurer until 2021. In 2023, I became a board member again. I've been in continual charge of the CNCV Cultural Center from its beginning. I believe it's culturally important to always maintain at least seven board positions. Serving has been rewarding and fun. My wife Liz and I have made many long term friends. I encourage CNCV members to throw your hat in the ring, get involved and help us continue our successes.

Wado nigad! Thank you all!

CNCV Election 2025: Candidates

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