The Chehalis Tribal Loan Fund was established in 2007 by the Chehalis Tribe. CTLF became a certified Native Community Development Financial Institution in 2015. We are a 501(c)3 tax exempt, non- profit organization. Our mission is “Paving the way to financial empowerment through Education, Coaching, and Fair Lending.” CTLF serves Chehalis Tribal members, employees of the Tribe and Tribal entities, other Native Americans, and local community members and business. Our goal is to help clients become financially confident and solid enough to choose any lending institution they want for their financing needs.
CTLF Board of Directors and Staff
Kevin Bray, Chairperson – Kevin is an enrolled member of the Chehalis Tribe and has served as a CTLF Board member since 2018. He received a master’s degree from Evergreen State College and is currently the general manager for the Talking Cedar. Kevin also serves as Chair of the Grand Mound/Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
Gertrude Marcellay, Vice Chair – Trudy is an enrolled member of the Chehalis Tribe and has served as a CTLF Board member since 2019. She currently works for the Chehalis Tribe as heritage and culture coordinator.
Alicia Medina, Secretary/Treasurer – Alicia is an enrolled member of the Chehalis Tribe and has served as a CTLF Board member since 2016. She currently works for the Chehalis Tribe as a crime victim’s advocate.
Edmund (Frazier) Myer, Member – Frazier is an enrolled member of the Chehalis Tribe and has served as a CTLF Board member since 2018. He currently works for the Chehalis Tribe as a communications coordinator.
Christopher Pickernell, Member – Chris is an enrolled member of the Chehalis Tribe and has served as a CTLF Board member since 2023. He is currently works for the Chehalis Tribe as the assistant general manager.
Tamra Marlowe De Nova, Executive Director – Tamra graduated from Western Governor’s University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, a master’s degree in Management and Leadership, and an MBA. She is currently a doctoral student at Franklin University with a focus on Organizational Leadership. Prior to becoming E.D., Tamra served as a CTLF Board member. Since becoming E.D. in April 2022, she has implemented new strategies and programs to help Chehalis Tribal Members and surrounding community members gain access to financial education and training, small and microbusiness development support, and to avoid predatory lending practices. The Executive Director is responsible for diversifying funding sources, managing the revolving loan fund and T.A. programs, and community outreach.
Pierre Augare, Business Development Officer– Pierre is a enrolled member of the Quinault Nation. He has been on staff with CTLF since January 2025. He supports entrepreneurs by expanding access to capital and providing technical assistance, credit building, and financial education. He previously served as Executive Director of Taala Fund, leading major organizational improvements in policy, technology, and loan programs. With a strong background in tribal governance, including roles with the Quinault Indian Nation and the National Congress of American Indians, Pierre brings decades of experience in leadership, business, and community development. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, he is passionate about economic empowerment and creating opportunities for all communities.
Raygen Shiver, Loan Officer – Raygen is a 2024 Centralia College graduate with an Associates Degree in Applied Science Accounting and Tax. She has been on staff with CTLF since September 2023.
Sandra Spahr, Administrative Assistant – Sandra is a enrolled member of the Cowlitz Tribe. She graduated in December 2022 with a C.O.P. in Administrative Support from Lower Columbia College. She has been on staff with CTLF since September 2024.
Vanessa Youckton, Data Entry File Clerk- Vanessa is a enrolled member of the Chehalis Tribe. She has been on staff with CTLF since September 2024.
