Board of Directors

Deon Ben - Board Co-Chair

Deon Ben is originally from the community of Tohatchi, New Mexico, and is the Native America Director for the Grand Canyon Trust. Prior to joining the Trust, Deon worked for the Grand Canyon National Park’s Vegetation Program. He earned his B.S. in environmental studies at Northern Arizona University and is currently completing his M.S. in environmental science and policy at NAU. Growing up on Navajo land, Deon experienced the perfect mesh of traditional knowledge and environmental education, which led him to his graduate work focusing on incorporating traditional ecological knowledge to address animal husbandry and grazing within tribal communities that are facing climate challenges. Deon enjoys the isolation and natural beauty of his traditional homeland and looks forward to positive environmental change. 

Jonathan Perry - Board Co-Chair

Jonathan Perry is from the community of Becenti, New Mexico, located in Eastern Navajo Agency, where he currently serves as the president of the Becenti Chapter.  He has extensive experience working with tribal, county, state, and federal governments to advocate on behalf of Navajo people for a better future.  Jonathan is a former president of the Becenti Chapter community land use planning committee; Becenti Chapter vice president; member of the Eastern Navajo Land Commission; and council delegate on the Navajo Nation Council. Jonathan served as interim executive director of Four Corners Rising from April 2023-April 2025.

Jonathan also has experience in working successfully in leadership roles with various nonprofit organizations in the past that have focus on Diné cultural and historical preservation; community and economic development initiatives; education and health; and environmental and social justice.  He also has based his work in Diné Fundamental Law, which he incorporates in his professional principles with Navajo communities.

Michelle Garcia - Board Vice Chair

Michelle Garcia (she/hers) is an attorney with New Mexico Legal Aid where she manages the LGBTQ+ legal access program, Safe to Be You, which focuses on civil rights litigation and advocacy for survivors of violence in rural and indigenous communities in New Mexico. She oversees the northern offices (Santa Fe, Taos, and Las Vegas) for New Mexico Legal Aid. Garcia works with local and regional community groups on issues related to rural access to justice including non-attorney advocate training.

Pamela Eaton - Board Treasurer

Pam Eaton (she/her) is founder of Green West Strategies where she works with clients on energy and economic transition policy. She has served as a Commissioner on the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, on the Western Electricity Coordinating Council’s Scenario Planning Steering Group, and as an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School. During a long career at The Wilderness Society, she led programs to manage energy development on public lands and protect wildlands and wildlife.

Alastair Bitsóí - Board Secretary

Alastair Bitsoi was born and raised on the Navajo Nation and following his education returned home to reside in Nashchitti, NM. Alastair brings to the board years of experience in professional writing and communication. Alastair completed his education at Columbia University and New York University. Alastair also brings years of work as a freelance writer focused on communicating the importance of sacred landscapes, and cultural appropriation. Alastair is also a successful Bears Ears heirloom potato farmer.