Ken Poocha

Kenneth G. Poocha, a member of the Hopi and Santa Ana Pueblo tribes, currently serves as a School Facilities Liaison and Tribal Specialist. Before joining ADOA, Mr. Poocha dedicated over a decade to the Arizona Department of Child Safety (AZDCS), where he advanced from an investigator to the Agency’s Tribal Liaison, ultimately returning to the field as an Investigations Supervisor. His commitment to serving Indigenous communities is further reflected in his earlier position as the Director of Education for the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe from 2010 to 2013, alongside a brief tenure with the Yavapai-Prescott Tribal Police Department.

In 2006, Mr. Poocha was appointed by Governor Janet Napolitano to lead the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs, demonstrating his leadership in advocating for tribal issues. His extensive experience also includes roles in juvenile justice, non-profit community health, and Tribal health programs. A native of Flagstaff, Arizona, Mr. Poocha earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Arts in American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona. Kenneth currently resides in Flagstaff with his wife and two sons, where he continues to advocate for the well-being and education of Indigenous communities.