BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RONALD HALL, J.D. (CHAIRPERSON)
Ronald Hall is the Director of the Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP) at Colorado State University. He has served in that capacity since 1995. While at the TTAP Ron helped coordinate the National Tribal Road Conference since 1998. He has served on the Executive Board of the National Local Technical Assistance Program Association since 1997 and was the Executive Board’s Chairman for 2002. Mr. Hall also played a key role in creating the Committee on Native American Transportation Issues in the Transportation Research Board, and has been the Chairman of that Committee from 2001‐2007. In addition to administering the TTAP, he provides consulting services as a facilitator/mediator and legal services. Prior to his tenure at the TTAP, Mr. Hall practiced law in private practice for 11 years primarily as general counsel for tribal governments, corporations, and Native American owned businesse. Rnn is also an enrolled member of the The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.
ANTONETTE BARTECCHI (VICE PRESIDENT)
Antonette is the owner of a flourishing boutique wellness establishment and loving mother of 2 strong girls. VE is honored to recognize Antonette as torch-bearer for the legacy that David Bartecchi wove into the fabric of Village Earth for over 2 decades. Antonette and VE are mutually grateful for the support and strength we have leant each other through loss, and Antonette’s continued dedication to VE ensures the seeds planted will grow. Antonette enjoys staying connected to the friends she and David made during his time with Village Earth – connect with her here: linkedin.com/in/antonette-bartecchi-5734779b
MARCELA VELASCO, PH.D. (SECRETARY)
LAUREN DITTMANN (TREASURER)
Lauren, a small business owner and data professional, specializing in automating data management for small businesses in the age of AI. A Village Earth volunteer since 2004 and VE Participatory Practices alum (2005), she holds a B.S. in Information Technology, multiple data certifications, and is pursuing her CNAP. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and camping with her family and friends. Connect with her at: www.linkedin.com/in/ldittmann
LEE SCHARF, M.A.
Lee Scharf worked for the Environmental Protection Agency as a mediator from 1996 until 2006, becoming EPA’s Tribal Mediation Lead. Her Environmental Conflict Resolution Taxonomy and Guide was published by the American Bar Association. Lee is an Associate Fellow at Colorado State University’s Center for Collaborative Conservation in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Lee lived on the Navajo Nation from 1956 through 1959. This experience shaped her view of the world and her work. She has mediated with many tribal nations throughout the United States, knowing that power and colonialism are always issues when non-native dispute resolution processes are used or proposed.
Ms. Scharf is the grandmother of four.