Richard P. Narcia
Class of 1969
Richard P. Narcia currently resides in Sacaton with his spouse, Jana. Together, they have a daughter, Chandra. He is a graduate of Coolidge High School and is a lifelong resident of the Gila River Indian Community. He served 4 years in the United States Air Force, and he lived 10 years in New Mexico while working and attending college. He enjoys all sports and competes in long distance running and competitive road bicycling. Mr. Narcia is retired.
Coolidge High School Activities:
4 year member of the Coolidge High School Amerind Club
2 year member of the Coolidge High School Lettermen’s Club
4 year member of the Coolidge Bear Football Team (Freshman, JV, Varsity)
Member of Coolidge High School Arizona State Class A Champion Football Team (1968 &1969)
Member of Coolidge High School Track Team
Past Positions held:
2013-2014 Narcia served as Chief Executive Officer for the Gila River Indian Community (the “Community”) Gila River Health Care Corporation
2003-2006 Governor of the Community: During his tenure as Governor, he successfully guided the Community in achieving a historic water settlement in 2004. The Community’s settlement is the largest Indian Water Settlement in the history of the United States
Nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve on the Morris K. Udall Foundation Board of Trustees
Appointed by former Arizona Governor Jane D. Hull to serve on three state boards: Arizona Vision 21 Transportation Task Force, Arizona Water Advisory Board, Arizona Board to study Truck Traffic between Arizona and Mexico
During his tenure as Governor, he served on Williams Gateway Airport Authority Board of Directors and was elected Chairman & Treasurer of the Board
2000-2003 Lieutenant Governor of the Community
1989 - 2000, Director of the Community’s Irrigation Rehabilitation Program
In 1989, former Community Governor, Thomas White, appointed him to serve as a member of the Community’s Water Negotiating Team
1989, appointed by former Community Governor, Thomas White, to serve as Contracting Officer for the Community involving Indian Health Service construction contracts.
Fifteen years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Pima Agency, Branch of Roads: Party Chief, Branch of Roads Survey Crew and Contracting Officer’s Representative
Chairman of the Wild Horse Pass Development Authority Board of Directors. Primary function is oversight of the Community’s assets: Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Whirlwind Golf Course, Rawhide Western Town and new development ventures
2007 – 2009 Vice-President of the Gila River Health Care Board of Directors
Chairman & Treasurer for the Huhukam Heritage Center Board of Directors
Vice-Chairman of the Community’s Casino Expansion Owners Team
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Gila River Sand & Gravel Corporation
Selected as an “At-Large” member of the Board of Directors of the National Indian Gaming Association
Selected to serve on the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Tribal Technical Advisory Group
Awards:
Awarded Air Force Commendation Medal (Viet-Nam)
2003, Jay Silverheels Achievement Award “In recognition of outstanding Leadership, Progress & Contributions that improve the quality of life for Native Americans,” presented by The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
2005, American Diabetes Association named Governor Narcia, Father of the Year