Tribal Affairs

George B. Lopez appointed Director of the Office of Tribal Affairs

We are pleased to announce the appointment of George B. Lopez as the new Director of the Office of Tribal Affairs at the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), effective July 7, 2025.

This role is vital to our agency’s ongoing partnerships with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes. After a thorough search, the position is being filled by direct appointment due to the unique experience and specialized knowledge it requires.

George brings extensive experience working with tribal communities, most recently serving as General Manager for the Klamath Tribes. In that role, he led administrative and community programs, managed a multimillion-dollar budget, and supported key efforts that strengthened tribal sovereignty, public safety, and cultural partnerships. His leadership helped formalize tribal law enforcement recognition, expand education collaborations with Oregon Institute of Technology, and support transitional housing projects for elders.

"I'm excited to take on this role and work with the Nine Tribes of Oregon, ODHS staff and leadership, and our partners at all levels," said George B. Lopez, incoming Director of the ODHS Office of Tribal Affairs. "I’m committed to building strong relationships and supporting efforts that make a real difference for Tribal children, families and elders across the state."

We are confident George’s experience and values will help advance ODHS’s commitment to tribal engagement, cultural responsiveness, and government-to-government relationships

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Sherril Kuhns for her outstanding leadership as interim director. Her dedication to tribal affairs and the mission of ODHS has made a lasting impact, and we thank her for her service during this important transition.

Please join us in welcoming George Lopez to ODHS.

Summer EBT is a grocery benefits program. It helps families buy food for their school-aged children when school is out. Each summer, families will get one yearly payment of $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries.

This program is available to all eligible families, including Tribal children and families, and is part of a broader effort to reduce food insecurity and support child well-being in every community. Unused Summer EBT benefits expire 122 days after they are issued, so families should use the benefits in a timely manner.

You can also contact Tribal Affairs Communications Specialist Tony Aaron Fuller (Colville/Yakama) by email or phone at 971-372-1947.