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BOARD

Board Members

Kelly Concho-Hayes, President kconchohayes@nativerunners.org	Kelly is of the Tachii'nii (Red Running into Water Clan), born for the Naasht’ézhí Dine’é (Zuni People, Child of the Turkey Clan). She is originally from Tsayatoh, New Mexico.
Jill Jim, Board Member jjim@nativerunners.org	Jill Jim is of the Reed People (Lók’aa’ Dine’é) and born for the Red-Running-Into-The-Water (Táchii’nii) Clan. My maternal grandfather is of the Salt Clan (Ashiihi> and my paternal grandfather is of the Many Goats Clan (Tl’izilani). That is how I identify myself as a Navajo woman. I am originally from Paiute Mesa, which is in the vicinity of Navajo Mountain (Naatsis'aan), Utah. I recently moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to pursue a Masters Degree in Public Health & Health Care Administration. In December of '03, I received the B.S. Degree in Health Promotion from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. I attended Flagstaff High School for all four years of high school and was the Runner-Up in the 4A Arizona State Cross-Country Championships in 1997. After high school, I continued my running career at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. In 1998 and 1999, I competed in the NJCAA Women's Cross Country National Championships and received All-American Recognition, both times. When I left Northern Arizona University with a B.S. Degree in Health Promotion, I worked for the Sage Memorial Hospital in Ganado, Arizona, with the Diabetes Program. Then I worked for the Chinle Indian Health Service Unit in Chinle, Arizona, with the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Program for nearly two years. I continue to run and participate in 5Ks, 10Ks, and half-marathons. Besides running, I spend quality time with my family. I am an Advisory Board Member because I strongly believe in promoting healthy lifestyles by empowering individuals to acquire necessary skills. I believe some key factors to an active healthy lifestyle is proper nutrition, regular exercise, positive self-esteem, spirituality, goal setting, and discipline.
Tisha Shurley, Advisory Board - Web Designer tisha@navajocustom.com	About Tisha Shurley Ya’at’eeh Shi Dine’ doo Shi K’ei. Ta'néészahnii (Tangle Clan) Nishlí. Tó'aheedliinii (Water-Running-Together Clan) Báshíshchíín. Táchii'nii (Red Forehead Clan) Dashichei doo Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan) Dashinálí. Translation:Hello my people and relatives. I am a Ta'néészahnii (Tangle Clan) born for Tó'aheedliinii (Water-Running-Together Clan). My maternal grandparents are Táchii'nii (Red Forehead Clan) and my paternal grandparents Tótsohnii (Big Water Clan). About Navajo Customs Navajo Customs Web Design was founded by owner Tisha Shurley back in 1999. While attending the University of Arizona, Tisha developed her web designing skills by making websites for several UA departments. Not utilizing any programs, she has developed the art of developing a website using straight HTML code. Over the years, she has incorporated using the Adobe Master Collection C3. This includes Flash, Fireworks, Soundbooth, and Dreamweaver. Her main inspiration to designing websites was inspired by watching her grandmother weave Navajo rugs. Taking the idea and modernizing this process, she designs or weaves websites. Tisha Shurley can be contacted at tisha@navajocustom.com or 602-714-0870. www.navajocustom.com
Melody Varner, Treasurer mvarner@nativerunners.org	Melody Varner is a retired middle school teacher, former high school cross-country coach from Sunnyside School District in Tucson, AZ. and Assistant Professor at Northern Arizona University while receiving her Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instructions/Qualitative Prgoram Evaluation in 1994. Varner was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and is to married to Tim Varner who has lived in Flagstaff since 1975. Varner is a former marathoner and ultra-marathoner and has participated in numerous long-distance mountain races. For many years, Varner was an active member of Southern AZ Trailrunning club, an informal group of ultra-marathoners who have a passion for trail-running. Varner also served as an advisor to the board of the Northern Arizona University Center for High Altitude Training Flagstaff Running Project. Melody received a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Arizona, a master's degree in Educational Administration from Northern Arizona University, and a doctorate from Northern Arizona University. She is experienced in athlete-event activities governed by USATF. She successfully assisted two current Navajo elites in receiving a $95,000 grant from the Navajo Nation in 2007, substantial assistance from BHP Billiton Coal, received a $3,000 grant from the Sundt Corp., and currently writes grants, assists emerging Native American high school runners from the Four Corner's region with college preparation, running between seasons, and continues to reach out to the community-at-large in becoming more aware of the needs of the emerging native runners.
Brian Nichols, Secretary brnichols@nativerunners.org   He believes that running provides unique experiences, valuable lessons and a sense of accomplishment that can provide inspiration throughout life.	Brian's roots are in the Midwest where his parents grew up on the South Side of Chicago and then raised him and his younger sister in nearby Elmhurst, IL. After college, Brian moved to Phoenix, AZ where he met his wife, Lisa and developed a hiking addiction! After 5 very enjoyable years in Arizona, they moved to Shelton, CT where they live today with their two daughters (3 & 4 years old). Brian received his B.A. Degree in Communications and Economics from the University of Iowa and will complete his Masters in Business Administration from The University of New Haven in May of 2009. Currently working at Deloitte as a Senior Manager of Travel Procurement and Operations, Brian is very active in the travel industry, being named one of the Top 25 Most Influential US Travel Executives in 2006. Brian enjoys spending time with his family and sharing his passions for running, hiking and camping with his children. Brian began running for Coach Joe Newton at York High school in Elmhurst, IL and went on to run cross country and the 3000m Steeplechase at the University of Iowa. He believes that running provides unique experiences, valuable lessons and a sense of accomplishment that can provide inspiration throughout life. Brian has created, monitors, and reaches out to the internet resources on behalf of NNER by using MySpace, FaceBook, and is working on Twitter and Flicker which are up and coming