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 three 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 17 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: Franc Blackbird

Associate Board Member, Membership Coordinator
Cherokee Nation citizen: Yes
Statement:
My background: I'm a retired architect living in Sacramento with my sister Martha Blackbird and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Izzy.
CNCV work: I joined CNCV in 2014 and was appointed to the Board (called the Council at the time) to fill a vacant position. I served as the newsletter editor for years. In 2019 I was appointed as Spokesperson (Chairman) and led the group during COVID (not easy) until the end of 2021. Recently, as an Alternate Board Member, I've been coordinating membership for the organization.
I would like to officially join the Board of the Cherokees of Northern Central Valley and hope to secure your vote.

Candidate: Paul David Terry

*Paul David Terry, pictured with Sabrina McKinney and chicken at the Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center*

Board Member, Assistant Chair
Cherokee Nation citizen: Yes
Statement:
Osiyo Nigadv!
My name is Paul David Terry, and I’m running for the board. I have served as a board member for the last two years as the membership coordinator and vice-chair.
During my tenure on the CNCV board, I have participated in and volunteered at several events, taken Cherokee language classes, and attended the Cultural Outreach Conference of Community Leaders in Oklahoma twice. Currently I’m assisting with our cookbook project and designing a student mentorship program with our sister city that can create opportunities for K–12 and college students to connect with careers and resources that support educational advancement for students in Marble City and across the Nation.
Recently, I served as the chair of the UC Davis Native American Faculty and Staff Association, where I connected our group to the UC Davis Pow Wow and invited Cherokee speakers locally to join our group. I manage programs at UC Davis and serve as a faculty mentor for the Undergraduate Research Center, mentoring students in research on global human rights and Indigenous perspectives.
Regarding my family, my kin migrated from Tahlequah and Muscogee to California during the post-World War II migration. I share my name with my great-uncle, Paul Terry, Jr., who raised the first flag on Iwo Jima and is often featured in the Cherokee Phoenix. My grandfather also served in World War II, alongside Patton in the Battle of the Bulge. Their mother, Maude, was my first teacher and inspired me throughout college, guiding my work as an educator today. I am a Point Foundation scholar, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and a plant parent that includes an urban garden where I grow gifts from the Cherokee Nation seed bank.

*Sheila Zangrilli at the 2026 Annual Meeting*

Candidate: Sheila Zangrilli

Board Member
Current role: Language committee
Cherokee Nation citizen: Yes
Statement:
Sheila Zangrilli dagwadoa. I have served on the board for the past few years and I am looking forward to continuing that service. Whether you select me or not, I am proud to serve my people and my community. Wado

Wado nigad! Thank you all!

CNCV Election 2026: Candidates

CHAIRPERSON MESSAGE: July 2026