About
In 1976, these Tribal leaders from the South Puget Sound region had the remarkable vision to join together to create SPIPA(South Puget Intertribal Planning Agency) The original mission of SPIPA, as set forth by the founders: Mel Youckton (Chehalis), Zelma McCloud (Nisqually), Bill Smith (Skokomish), and Cal Peters (Squaxin Island, 1927-2011) was to “study, prepare, and recommend comprehensive Tribal plans; to aid in providing financial and technical assistance to participating Tribal communities; and to otherwise assist in such planning and development as may seem appropriate to promote the general welfare of participating Tribes.”
In 1992, the consortium welcomed the Shoalwater Bay Tribe as a SPIPA member. This unique model now provides intertribal planning, technical assistance and program management services to support each Tribe’s goal for their members.
SPIPA Board of Directors
Each Board member is appointed by their Tribal Council and given the duty of keeping their Council informed about SPIPA activities and intertribal project opportunities.
Leadership Bios
Whitney Jones, Executive Director
Whitney Jones is a proud member of the Squaxin Island Tribe. She worked for more than 15 years in health and human services and executive administration at her Tribe. She also served as the SPIPA Board Treasurer during some of that time. Currently, she is SPIPA Executive Director.
The Tribal communities that our organization serves recognize Whitney as an active leader. She contributes her years of knowledge and experience with community and family service programs, such as child welfare, family violence prevention, child care, TANF, and other ACF-related programs.
Whitney participates in many functions in the community while also raising two vibrant and busy teenage daughters. She served three years as an elected Squaxin Island Council member and continues to support her tribe in a variety of other ways.
Whitney graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Western Washington University and also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, with a Tribal Governance emphasis, from The Evergreen State College.
Kyle Rogers, Deputy Executive Director
Kyle Rogers is a member of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University where he earned Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He served as his Tribe’s Alternate Delegate on the SPIPA Board of Directors before comming to work at SPIPA as a Planner/Senior Grant Writer in 2014. He is currently serving as SPIPA’s Deputy Executive Director.
A huge sports fan, Kyle enjoys getting to local games for the Mariners and the Seahawks. His family lives in South Bend, WA where he was raised. When he’s not working, his favorite vacation spot is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.