Business Committee

Sheilah Bray, a Chehalis Tribal member from the Ernist Beckwith family, serves as Chairwoman on the Chehalis Tribe’s Business Committee. She has lived on the Chehalis Reservation at various times since 1978. Sheilah previously served as Treasurer from 2018 to 2024 and as Vice Chairwoman for a year and a half beginning in 2024. She also worked in the Tribal Government’s Finance Department from 2012 to 2025, bringing years of experience in Tribal Finance and leadership to her current role.

Don Secena, a Chehalis Tribal member, serves as Vice-Chairman on the Chehalis Tribe’s Business Committee and has previously served multiple terms as Chairman. He also previously served as Interim Executive Director of the Chehalis Tribal Housing Authority. Don has contributed to various Tribal committees, including the Indian Child Welfare Committee and the Housing Board, bringing experience in Tribal leadership, housing, and family services to his current role. He comes from the Secena family and is the son of Murphy and Nancy Secena.

Farley Youckton, a Chehalis Tribal member, serves as Treasurer on the Chehalis Tribe’s Business Committee, where he is serving his third nonconsecutive term. He has worked for the Tribal government and Tribally owned entities for more than 20 years and currently serves as the Tribal Court’s Probation Officer, a position he has held for over 14 years. A veteran of the United States Navy, Farley has been married for more than 30 years and is the father of one son.

Cheryle Starr, a Chehalis Tribal member, serves as Tribal Secretary on the Chehalis Tribe’s Business Committee, with more than 20 years of service as Secretary across nonconsecutive terms since 1996. A lifelong resident of the Chehalis Tribal Reservation, she comes from the Starr, Sanders, and Davis families. Cheryle has worked for the Tribal government for over 35 years, including more than 17 years in her current role as Community and Culture Director and over 18 years previously in the Finance Department. She has also served on the Housing Board, Enrollment Committee, Personnel Committee, and Fireworks Committee, bringing extensive experience in Tribal government and community service to her leadership.

Thomas Trott, a Chehalis Tribal member, serves as 5th Council on the Chehalis Tribe’s Business Committee. He brings two years of Business Committee service, 10 years serving on Tribal subcommittees, and 12 years of maintenance experience with the Tribal Government and Lucky Eagle Casino. Thomas has participated in amending the Tribe’s bylaws and has skippered the Tribe’s canoe for the Canoe Family. Guided by his belief in lifelong learning, he takes a policy-driven approach to his work and service to the Tribe.