The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe has named Roderick Ariwite as its first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Ariwite comes to the tribe with a diverse background that includes over a decade of management and administration experience with governmental groups and entities.

“With the significant growth the tribe has seen within the last several years, we have developed the need for someone to oversee and logistically manage our operations,” said Ron Charles, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe chairman. “We’ve created the position of Chief Operating Officer to best serve the interests of the tribe’s members and its employment force, which has grown almost 50 percent within the past four years. Rod comes to us with the experience and vision necessary to help manage our growth and lead us into a successful future.”

In his new position, Ariwite will oversee the tribal government as well as other operations including the Port Gamble Housing Development Authority, Port Gamble S’Klallam Foundation, Port Gamble Housing Authority, and The Point Casino.

Ariwite, a member of the Shoshone Bannock Tribe, graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Education.