Joe Garcia

President, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the largest national Indian organization, representing over 250 member Tribal Nations from throughout the United States. Actively involved in NCAI since 1995, Joe Garcia served two two-year terms as the 1st Vice President of NCAI prior to being elected President in November of 2005. Joe just completed his third term (Jan. 2005–Dec. 2006) as Governor of Ohkay Owingeh (San Juan Pueblo), located in northern New Mexico. After his term as Governor, he was elected Chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council (AIPC), an organization formed in 1598 that serves the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico. He will serve as Chairman for four years (2007–2011).

Joe was born and raised in Ohkay Owingeh and continues to serve his community in traditional, educational, tribal government, and economic development efforts. Joe and his wife Oneva have three children, Melissa, Nathan, and MorningStar; four granddaughters, Kaelynn Garcia, I-Rey Garcia, Marcela Garcia, and Imperia Bark; and one grandson, Emiliano Garcia.

Joe is an electrical engineer by profession, with an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of New Mexico. In June 2003, he retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory after 25 years of service, at which time he started his own firm, MistyLake Consulting Services. He has taught numerous courses on computers, electronics, lasers, and math at Northern New Mexico Community College since 1979. His professional training also includes Black Belt Certification for the renowned Six Sigma Quality Improvement process.

Joe has been recognized for his service to his tribe as well as to the State of New Mexico. In 1995 he was awarded the New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award, and in 1998 he received the Luminaries Award from the New Mexico Community Foundation.

On January 1, 2007, Joe swore in Governor Bill Richardson as Governor of New Mexico.