Leadership

Rion J. Ramirez serves as CEO of Port Madison Enterprises, the economic development agency of the Suquamish Tribe. Since 2019, he has spearheaded economic growth and diversification initiatives for the tribe, also leading the tribe’s construction companies as CEO. Prior to his current role, Rion held General Counsel positions with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and PME.

Rion brings over two decades of experience as an attorney, specializing in Indian Country law to his leadership position. His expertise has led to several notable appointments, including membership on the Judicial Merit Selection Committee for the Western District of Washington, where he reviews candidates for federal court vacancies. In 2023, President Biden appointed Rion, following Senate confirmation, to the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation.

A dedicated tribal advocate, Rion has chaired the Democratic National Committee’s Native American Caucus and currently serves on the DNC’s Executive and National Finance Committees. He co-chaired the Native American Policy Working Group for Hillary for America and was a member of its National Advisory Council. In 2013, President Barack Obama appointed Rion as a Commissioner on the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.

Rion’s community involvement extends to his service as a Trustee for the University of Washington Alumni Association and board member for the Washington Hospitality Association. He is a member of the Washington Bar Association and the Native American Bar Association, having previously served as President of the Northwest Indian Bar Association. Rion is also a former Appellate Court Justice for the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, where he is also an enrolled member.

Before his in-house counsel roles, Rion practiced Indian Law, Tribal Finance, Business Law, and Gaming Law as an associate at Dorsey & Whitney LLP and Schwabe, Williamson, & Wyatt, P.C. He earned his B.A. from the University of Washington and his J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law.

Through his leadership and legal expertise, Rion plays an important role in advancing tribal economic development and representation in Indian Country.

Irene Carper serves as Chief Operating Officer of Port Madison Enterprises, bringing over three decades of experience and leadership to her role. A PME veteran since the inception of Indian gaming in Washington State, Irene has been instrumental in the organization’s growth, expansion and success.

Irene began her PME journey as a Bingo Hall Floor Worker, and she rose through the ranks to Slot Manager, Assistant General Manager and ultimately COO in 2014. Her tenure has spanned pivotal moments in PME’s history, including the introduction of slots in 1999, the launch of a full-scale casino in 2004, hotel resort expansion in 2006, as well as the recent retail division growth with Clearwater Markets.

In addition to her PME leadership, Irene has served on the Suquamish Tribal Council from 2009 to 2015 and resumed her service as Secretary in 2023. She liaises with several key committees and departments, including the Constitution Committee, Elders Council, Enrollment Committee, Human Services Department, and Investment Committee.

Irene’s commitment to professional development has led to numerous certifications from the University of Nevada Reno, San Diego State University, and the Dale Carnegie Management course, where she earned the Highest Award for Achievement. Her community involvement extends to board service with the Southern Puget Sound Olympic Chapter of the American Red Cross and Leadership Kitsap, both for over five years.

As an enrolled member of the Suquamish Tribe, Irene Carper plays a vital leadership role in PME’s operations and the broader tribal community. Outside of work, she enjoys golfing in her free time.

Michael serves as Chief Financial Officer of Port Madison Enterprises, overseeing financial operations across the organization’s diverse portfolio of businesses. He joined PME in 2004 as Controller, managing revenue streams for both Gaming and Non-Gaming departments, and was appointed CFO in 2012.

Under Michael’s financial stewardship, PME has expanded from a single casino and retail operation to a multifaceted organization, comprising the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, Kiana Lodge, five retail outlets, White Horse Golf Club, PME Construction Corporation, Port Madison Construction Corporation, and Suquamish Evergreen Corporation. His expertise in navigating complex gaming compliance regulations has been instrumental in this growth.

Michael brings over three decades of experience in casino gaming finance to his role. Prior to PME, he held finance positions at prominent gaming industry properties, including Boyd Gaming, The Flamingo Hilton, and Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. He earned a B.A. in Accounting from Colorado Mesa University.

Devon Tiam serves as General Counsel of Port Madison Enterprises (PME), providing legal guidance and oversight for the organization’s diverse business portfolio. Named General Counsel in 2019, Devon brings extensive experience in tribal law and governance to his role.

Devon began his tenure at PME in 2017 as Associate General Counsel, quickly demonstrating his expertise and leadership potential. Prior to joining PME, he spent seven years as a staff attorney in the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation’s Office of Tribal Attorney, honing his skills in tribal legal matters.

Devon holds a B.A. from Seattle University and a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law. While serving as Associate General Counsel at PME, he also shared his knowledge as an instructor in the Tribal Enterprise and Gaming Certificate program at Olympic College.

In addition to his role at PME, Devon contributes to the broader community as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the GIFT International Foundation.

Karleen Crow serves as Human Resources Director for Port Madison Enterprises, bringing over two decades of experience and dedication to her leadership role. She began her PME journey in 1999 in the Bingo Department, transferring to Human Resources as Recruiter/Tribal Liaison in 2004. Her potential and commitment led to promotions to Human Resources Manager in 2007 and ultimately to Director in 2015.

Karleen’s expertise in HR has been recognized with the prestigious HR Leader of the Year award in 2019. She holds a B.A. in Native Leadership from Northwest Indian College and the Tribal Human Resources Professional Certification (THRP). Karleen is an active member of the National Native American Human Resources Association.

As an enrolled member of the Suquamish Tribe, Karleen is deeply rooted in the community PME serves. Outside of work, she enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Rich Purser is the General Manager of the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, bringing over two decades of experience in tribal leadership and economic development. An enrolled member of the Suquamish Tribe and respected Tribal Elder, Rich has dedicated his career to advancing the Tribe’s business operations and prosperity.

Rich’s journey in tribal business began at age 22, working as a carpenter on the Suquamish Museum and later as general contractor for the Masi Shop. His leadership potential was soon recognized, and he was elected to the Suquamish Tribal Council in the late 1980s. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in negotiating the original gaming compacts between Washington State and the Suquamish Tribe.

In the 1990s, Rich’s influence extended to the regional level as Chairman of the Northwest Alliance of Gaming Tribes. He spearheaded financing for the Tribe’s inaugural casino property and served as Chairman of the Suquamish Tribal Gaming Commission. His commitment to economic development led to a nine-year term on the Port Madison Enterprises Board of Directors, including service as Board President.

Rich’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in the success of the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort. Since his appointment as General Manager in 2006, he has guided the casino’s significant growth and expansion. Complementing his experience with advanced education, Rich graduated from the University of Washington Foster School of Business’ Executive Development Program in 2013.

Rich’s contributions have been recognized with the Potlatch Fund’s Antone Minthorn Economic & Community Development Award in 2016. He resumed service on the Suquamish Tribal Council from 2015 to 2024, liaising with the Suquamish Housing Board. Through his various roles, Rich Purser exemplifies dedicated tribal leadership and a steadfast commitment to economic growth and community development.

Rochelle Stockwell serves as Assistant General Manager of the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, bringing 20 years of gaming experience to her leadership role. She began her PME journey in 2004 as a Slot Cashier, demonstrating her potential and work ethic as she advanced through the Casino Slot Department to become Slot Department Manager.

In 2014, Rochelle’s leadership abilities led to her appointment as Assistant General Manager of the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort. Her rise through the ranks is a testament to her dedication and strategic approach to casino operations.

Rochelle has invested in her professional development to excel in her leadership role. She graduated from the University of Washington Foster School of Business’ Leadership Development Program in 2012 and earned a certificate in Business Executive Development from the same institution in 2014.

Rochelle’s professional journey and dedication to growth have earned her well-deserved recognition. Named to the Kitsap Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list in 2013, she has also graduated from the Leadership Kitsap Foundation’s Positive Leadership program.

Through her career progression and commitment to development, Rochelle exemplifies the path to successful leadership in the gaming industry.