New Division Director model aims to improve coordination, accountability, and services for tribal members.
FORT HALL – A new chapter in tribal government began on July 1 as the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes launched a new division structure designed to strengthen collaboration, increase accountability, and improve services for tribal members.
The new structure organizes tribal departments into seven divisions as part of the Tribal Management Improvement Plan (TMIP), a long-term initiative to strengthen tribal government and improve services to tribal members. Although officially implemented this summer, the plan reflects years of planning and a vision tribal leaders have shared for decades as the organization has grown in both size and responsibility.
“As our tribal government has expanded, so has the need for stronger coordination across departments,” said Executive Director Laverne Sheppard. “The purpose of the TMIP is simple—to improve services to tribal members. Every decision we make is guided by one question: How does this help us better serve our people?”
The division director model groups departments with similar responsibilities together to facilitate collaboration, solve problems more efficiently, share resources, and support one another in achieving tribal priorities.
Department directors and managers continue to oversee the day-to-day management of their programs, while division directors focus on broader strategic leadership—breaking down barriers between departments, improving communication, mentoring leaders, and ensuring programs work together toward common goals.
The expectation is that a more coordinated organization will result in better service delivery, improved responsiveness, stronger financial stewardship, and greater accountability throughout tribal government.
“This is about preparing our tribal government for the future,” said Fort Hall Business Council Chairwoman Donna Thompson. “By strengthening our organization and encouraging greater collaboration, we’re making sure that we are better equipped to meet the needs of our members today and for generations to come.”
Since the new structure was implemented, division directors have begun meeting weekly to coordinate initiatives, discuss organizational priorities, and identify opportunities to improve services across departments.
###
Leading from Within
Meet the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Executive Leadership Team
As the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes continue implementing the Tribal Management Improvement Plan (TMIP), one of the organization’s greatest strengths is the people leading it.
The Tribes’ Executive Leadership Team is composed entirely of enrolled members of the Shoshone- Bannock Tribes. Collectively, they bring decades of experience in tribal government, public safety, natural resources, health care, education, infrastructure, and community services.
While each leader is responsible for a different division, they share one common purpose: serving the Shoshone-Bannock people.
The team meets weekly to coordinate priorities, solve challenges that cross departmental boundaries, and ensure the organization is working together toward the goals established by the Fort Hall Business Council.
“One of the greatest strengths of our leadership team is that we all have a personal connection to this community,” said Executive Director Laverne Sheppard. “These are not just administrative positions. Every decision we make affects our own families, our elders, our children, and future generations. That brings both responsibility and purpose to our work.”
The Executive Leadership Team includes:
• Laverne Sheppard – Executive Director & Oversight of Government Support Division
• Tino Batt – Division Chief Executive Director & Oversight of Community Support Division
• Lytle Denny – Division Director, Natural Resources
• Kimberly Dixey – Interim Division Director, Infrastructure & Public Works
• Travis Martin – Interim Division Director, Health & Human Services
• Vernon Alvarez – Interim Division Director, Justice & Public Safety
• Lori Pahvitse – Interim Division Director, Human Services & Education
Although each division has a unique mission, the team’s work is interconnected. Whether improving public safety, protecting natural resources, strengthening infrastructure, expanding educational opportunities, supporting families, or improving community health, every division contributes to a shared goal: improving services to Tribal members.
Over the coming months, this newspaper will introduce each member of the Executive Leadership Team individually, highlighting their background, the departments they oversee, and the important work taking place within each division.