Board of Trustees
Our dedicated group freely provides guidance to Tohono O’odham Community College. They know that the students always come first and make every decision with their best interests in mind.
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Dr. Zepeda, Ofelia ChairDr. Ofelia Zepeda, Chair ChairTrusteeTrustee since 2002FromFrom Stanfield, ArizonaBiography
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Mr. Robles, Jonas R. Vice-Chair/Elder MemberMr. Jonas R. Robles, Vice-Chair/Elder Member Vice-Chair/Elder MemberTrusteeTrustee since 2007FromFrom Ge Aji DistrictBiography
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Ms. Parvello, Treena SecretaryMs. Treena Parvello, Secretary SecretaryTrusteeTrustee since 2023FromBaboquivari DistrictBiography
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Ms. Bliss, Mary MemberMs. Mary Bliss, Member MemberTrusteeTrustee since 2019FromFrom San Xavier DistrictBiography
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Dr. Zepeda, Ofelia ChairDr. Ofelia Zepeda, Chair ChairTrusteeTrustee since 2002FromFrom Stanfield, ArizonaBiography
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Mr. Robles, Jonas R. Vice-Chair/Elder MemberMr. Jonas R. Robles, Vice-Chair/Elder Member Vice-Chair/Elder MemberTrusteeTrustee since 2007FromFrom Ge Aji DistrictBiography
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Ms. Parvello, Treena SecretaryMs. Treena Parvello, Secretary SecretaryTrusteeTrustee since 2023FromBaboquivari DistrictBiography
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Ms. Bliss, Mary MemberMs. Mary Bliss, Member MemberTrusteeTrustee since 2019FromFrom San Xavier DistrictBiography
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Dr. Zepeda, Ofelia ChairDr. Ofelia Zepeda, Chair ChairTrusteeTrustee since 2002FromFrom Stanfield, Arizona
Our board chairwoman, Dr. Zepeda, traces her family roots to the O’odham in Mexico. She is a regents professor in the Department of Linguistics and the head of the American Indian Studies Department at the University of Arizona. She earned her doctorate, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees in linguistics from the University of Arizona.
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Mr. Robles, Jonas R. Vice-Chair/Elder MemberMr. Jonas R. Robles, Vice-Chair/Elder Member Vice-Chair/Elder MemberTrusteeTrustee since 2007FromFrom Ge Aji District
Jonas R. Robles, a dedicated member of the board of trustees, hails from the Ge Aji (Gu Achi) District. His commitment to his community is evident in his thirteen-year tenure as Gu Achi District chairman. Mr. Robles, a retired substance abuse counselor from the Tohono O’odham Nation Division of Behavioral Health, is an Elder member of the board of trustees, which is a testament to his wisdom and experience.
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Ms. Parvello, Treena SecretaryMs. Treena Parvello, Secretary SecretaryTrusteeTrustee since 2023FromBaboquivari District
Treena Parvello serves as the secretary to the TOCC Board of Trustees. She is also the government and public relations director with the Nation’s Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise and is from the Baboquivari Unified School District. Ms. Parvello earned a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s in public administration from the University of Arizona.
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Ms. Bliss, Mary MemberMs. Mary Bliss, Member MemberTrusteeTrustee since 2019FromFrom San Xavier District
TOCC Board of Trustees member Mary Bliss is from Wa:k (San Xavier) District. She is retired from social work and formerly worked with the Archie Hendricks, Sr. Skilled Nursing Facility’s Hospice Program. She continues volunteering as her schedule permits. Mrs. Bliss earned a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University.
Board of Trustees Service Requirements
Current trustees have described their experiences on the TOCC Board as rewarding and enjoyable. We invite you to become involved. To serve on the board, an individual must meet the following requirements:
- Be a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation
- Have sound judgment, demonstrated through experience in or dedication to higher education
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Be recognized as a professional in one’s field of endeavor
For Elder Trustees, points 2–4 may be met by one’s status as a Tohono O’odham Elder. To begin the process, simply write a letter expressing your interest, or nominate someone who is willing, to the following address:
Chairperson of the Tohono O’odham Nation
Executive Office
P.O. Box 837
Sells, AZ 85634
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More Information
TOCC Board Meetings
We hold our regular board meetings on the third Thursday of the month at 9:00 a.m. in the TOCC Board Room unless otherwise stated. Meetings are open to the public.
Ordinances of the Tohono O’odham Nation
Board Reports
2022
2023
2024
