John Safford

Land & Development Director

Extension 1005

Yurok Tribal member, John Safford, was born and raised in the area, and has been with YIHA for the past 10 years. He first came to us as an Inspector and has worked his way up to being the Director of Land & Development. John has worked in the construction field most of his life and feels that working for YIHA "is very satisfying on many levels. Naturally, in todays market, a job that provides benefits is hard to come by, but add that to having a job that has meaning and value to your people and you have a winning combination. One look at the face of a client when you hand over keys to their new home, and it makes all the hours of pencil pushing, phone calls, site inspections, etc. worth while."

Leonard LaFazio

Development Manager

Extension 1001

Leonard joined the staff here at YIHA 2 years ago. He has lived in the area nearly all of his life; he lives with his wife and 3 kids. Leonard has lots of experience in the field of construction and has been a real asset to the Land & Development team here at YIHA. "I love it here. It's hard to stay away."

Joseph Brien

Procurement Clerk

Extension 1013

Joe came to YIHA in November of 2009 as a temporary to the combined positions of Procurement Clerk and Development Clerk. He has tackled the merger very well and fits into the YIHA family perfectly. Raised in Oregon, Joe moved to the area in 1999 with most of his family. He has two wonderful grown children and says that, "It's a joy to work for YIHA. Its like that show "Extreme Home Make-Over", watching the transformation in the tribal community. Its exhilerating and brings hope to the people for a better future."

Trae Fosdick

Development Intake Clerk

Extension 1015

Trae is a native of Crescent City and just joined the Development Department as an Intake Clerk.  He has been working to scan all of YIHA’s thick client development folders and file/store them electronically.   This will allow  the Development Department  to maximize their office space by reducing the amount of cabinets needed for paper file storage.   It will also allow the department the capability to view and retrieve information from a previous job or a client’s file quickly and efficiently.   When I asked Trae what his favorite thing about himself was, he replied “I have a great family.”  When not working, Trae loves to play cards, basketball, softball and watch sports.  His favorite thing about this part of the country is the cool climate, untouched nature and that the communities are very supportive and willing to help each other.

Shawn Korb

Up-River Construction Superintendant

707-951-1044

Shawn has worked for YIHA since 2007. He is in charge of the up-river crew and loves his job. He was born in Eureka and has lived in the area all his life. Shawn has a wife and 5 children and says that, "working for YIHA has fulfilled a life long goal. I was told as a small boy to go out and learn a trade and/or get a college education, then come back and help your people. I have done just that and the rewards have been seeing our native people get homes and assistance. There is a certain gratification in knowing that you were a part of that."

Will Sorrell

Down-River Construction Superintendant

707-954-2397

Will is a Yurok Tribal member and joined YIHA in April 2010.  He became a full-time permanent employee on July 1st.  Will worked as a Custom Builder in Colorado for 18 years, and is glad to be back home.  Will likes sharing things he has learned throughout his career  with fellow employees and says "it is really rewarding to see the smiles on elders' faces when we complete work on their homes."

Cecil Wilson

Landscaper

Born and raised in Humboldt County, Cecil loves to hunt and fish and spend time with his wife and two kids. He started working for YIHA in June of 2009 as a landscaper and says that, " its a learning experience and very satisfying to see the gratitude of clients when they see the finished product."

Darrell Simms

Delivery Driver

Darrell is the newest addition to the Development Staff. He started working with YIHA's Upriver Crew on January 14th, 2010. Born in Santa Rosa, Darrell has been raised his whole life in the Eureka/McKinleyville area. Prior to working for YIHA, he worked 32 consecutive years at Stanton's Coffee shop in Eureka. Darrell says that he "really enjoys working here. The people are nice and easy to work with. Its a great thing to help our Elders and tribal members and be a part of that dream."

Jaytuk was born in Arcata and moved to Fort Dick when he was 13.  He has one daughter and has been with YIHA for 4 1/2 years. Prior to coming here, he worked as a carpenter and went to school.  He enjoys working for YIHA as "we keep him very busy" which he enjoys, but mostly it is the gratification he feels when he "sees the look of appreciation in our elders eyes and know we were able to do something meaningful for them."

Down River

Force Account Crew

Phillip has lived his entire life in Klamath, except for the time while he was in the Army.  He has two kids ages 20 and 17 and a beautiful granddaughter.  He was a crab fisherman on a commercial boat prior to coming to work for YIHA  He likes working here because up until this job, he had to travel off of the reservation to get a decent paying wage, and he is very thankful for his employment here.  Also he takes tremendous "enjoyment and pride in providing quality craftsmanship to Yurok peoples."

Paul Kuska

Down River

Force Account Crew

Paul's Bio is under Construction.

Ron is a Yurok tribal member who graduated from Hoopa Highschool in 1995 and has lived in the Hoopa area most of his life.  Ron says that: "working for YIHA has given me an opportunity to take the next step in life and be a family man."  He has a growing family with one child and one on the way.