Born in Colusa, California, Chairman Marshall McKay grew up in Brooks, Calif. near his present-day home in the Yocha Dehe tribal community. He began his successful career in tribal government in 1984, culminating in his election as chairman in 2006, and re-election in 2009.
Chairman McKay leads Yocha Dehe’s elected tribal council, governing body of the sovereign tribal nation, and oversees operations for the Tribe and its business enterprises. A cornerstone of McKay’s leadership is his commitment to cultural renewal and preservation, and his focus on economic development, which helps to secure the independence of the Tribe.
McKay oversees the day-to-day operations of the tribal government and the Tribe’s business enterprises, including Cache Creek Casino Resort and the Yocha Dehe Farm and Ranch operations. Chairman McKay also serves as chair of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Academy board, and as a member of the Yocha Dehe Fire Commission, the Cultural Renewal Committee and the Health & Wellness Committee. He previously served as tribal treasurer and tribal secretary.
McKay currently sits on the UC Davis Foundation Board, the board of the Autry National Center and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. In 2009, Chairman McKay was appointed to the board of trustees for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Indians (NMAI). NMAI is dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of Native Americans. He also serves as a founding member of the Native Arts & Cultures Foundation, and in November 2007, was appointed to the Native American Heritage Commission board by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. McKay’s mother, artist Mabel McKay, was one of the founding commissioners for the Native American Heritage Commission.
Information on the Tribal government and Yocha Dehe people www.yochadehe.org
