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Jackson, WY– Native American Jump Start (NAJS) transitions board leadership and adds a new executive role of Chief Advancement Officer. This change in leadership brings collective executive experience of over 50 years between the two positions. This advancement will help evolve NAJS to the next level in supporting Native Americans as they pursue education and employment opportunities.

Native American Jump Start is  Jackson, Wyoming based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to provide opportunities of growth and success for Native American individuals and families through education and employment.

Ray Southworth, from Exeter, New Hampshire was elected by the Board of Directors to replace Dave Deschenes as the outgoing Board Chair. Southworth brings over 40 years of business experience, 20 of which he worked as an executive entrepreneurial leader. “I am excited to work with the Board of Directors and the staff to continue the great work of the organization. We hope to make a tangible difference in the lives of Native Americans here in greater Wyoming and nationally. ” said Southworth.

We hope to make a tangible difference in the lives of Native Americans here in greater Wyoming and nationally.

Dave Deschenes from Colorado Springs, Colorado, served NAJS as the Board Chair since September 2021 and along with the support from the organization’s staff and Board of Directors, led the organization to its highest fundraising years in the organizations 25-year  history. Deschenes will now assume the role of Chief Advancement Officer where he will be responsible for planning and managing a comprehensive, diversified, and strategic advancement and communications effort to sustain and grow revenue. He brings over a dozen years of nonprofit leadership experience in support of the mission of NAJS.

With their leadership and guidance, we will be able to positively impact more Native American individuals and families as they pursue employment and educational opportunities.

“After 25-years as a grassroots organization, both Ray and Dave will help take our organization to new levels , ” said Scott Evans, the Co-Founder of Native American Jump Start, who resides in Jackson, Wyoming. “With their leadership and guidance, we will be able to positively impact more Native American individuals and families as they pursue employment and educational opportunities.”