Sampson and Adams Join CTUIR Office of Executive Director

MISSION – Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) officials have announced Carrie Sampson as a new deputy executive director in the Office of Executive Director (OED) and Autumn Adams as the executive assistant, filling the office’s remaining open positions.

Sampson, a CTUIR member living in Cayuse, holds dual bachelor’s degrees in science: one in health studies and one in community health education. She also earned a graduate certificate in health care management from Oregon Health & Science University.

As a deputy executive director she will help manage the CTUIR’s governmental departments.

“Being named deputy executive director is one of the greatest honors of my career. It’s an opportunity to serve my tribe in a meaningful way by ensuring the community’s needs are at the forefront of decision making, strengthening the organization and helping advance the tribe’s long-term vision,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to give back to the people and the place that helped shape who I am. I’ve chosen to raise my four daughters in this community, and I am deeply rooted and invested in being here. I’m incredibly honored to be a member of the CTUIR and am grateful for the opportunity to serve my tribe in this capacity.”

Sampson began her nursing career 20 years ago, building a foundation in patient care and service that transitioned into leadership roles focused on improving health care systems and strengthening programs that serve tribal communities.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with tribes across the Pacific Northwest and southern Alberta (Canada). Those experiences have given me a broad understanding of tribal governance, health care and community priorities while respecting that every tribe has its unique culture, values and strengths,” she said. “I’ve managed multidisciplinary teams, overseen multimillion-dollar budgets and built strong partnerships with tribal leadership, federal agencies and community organizations. Every role has prepared me to lead while staying grounded in the needs of the people we serve, and I’m excited for the opportunity to bring that experience home to the CTUIR.”

Sampson said her first goal is to listen and learn so she can understand what works well, where opportunities exist and how she can best support Executive Director J.D. Tovey and the CTUIR staff.

“My goals are to strengthen communication across departments and help ensure our strategic priorities are creating meaningful results for our tribe,” she said. “My priority is building relationships and listening first. At the same time, I’m comfortable making difficult decisions when needed and holding myself and others accountable. I believe leadership is about serving others and creating a culture of trust and respect.” 

Tovey said he selected Sampson for the job because of her experience and professionalism.

“I’m honored to welcome Carrie Sampson to the CTUIR leadership team,” he said. “Carrie brings the experience, professionalism and collaborative mindset that will help us continue building a strong organization and delivering on the Board of Trustees’ priorities. I’m grateful they’ve joined us during this transformative time for the CTUIR.”

Sampson, who will start July 16, joins Holy Cross tribal member Chanda Yates as the CTUIR’s two deputy executive directors. Yates has held her role since July 2025.

Adams, who started joined the OED on June 16, holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with minors in American Indian studies and museum studies from Central Washington University and a juris doctorate from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. 

“As a proud Yakama Nation and Wanapum tribal member, I am honored to serve CTUIR. This is an opportunity to push myself and support the OED to the best of my abilities,” Adams said. “Having the opportunity to utilize my strengths and educational background to protect tribal sovereignty is of the utmost importance.”

Her experience includes working for Amnesty International USA, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Yakama Nation Cultural Resources Program. 

Tovey said he was excited to welcome Adams as his executive assistant.

“This position plays an important role in helping our team stay organized, responsive and focused on serving the Board and our tribal members, and most importantly, keeping me on schedule. I look forward to the work we’ll accomplish together,” he said.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Walla Walla and Umatilla Tribes, and formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.