Providing Leadership and Oversight to Build Stronger Communities
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
The Northern Ponca Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners (BOC) plays a vital role in guiding our mission. This dedicated group of leaders ensures that we remain focused on our purpose: providing sustainable housing, fostering homeownership, and empowering Native American families across the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s communities.
Our board brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for serving the community. They provide oversight for our programs, strategic initiatives, and partnerships, working to create opportunities and ensure transparency in all aspects of our work.
Meet the Board Members
LEADERS COMMITTED TO OUR MISSION
Our Board of Commissioners is made up of individuals who are deeply connected to our community and dedicated to making a difference. Their collective expertise helps us meet the unique housing needs of Native American families while honoring the cultural heritage of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska.
Raven Perales
Commissioner
District 1 : Holt, Boyd, Knox, Charles Mix and Woodbury Counties
Term Expires: 05/31/2029
Raven Perales is a proud member of the Ponca community, born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa. He is the son of Eva Buffalo Chief and grandson of Ralph Buffalo Chief Sr. and Carol Buffalo Chief. After attending school in South Sioux City, Raven pursued his education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln before later earning an Associate's degree in Cybersecurity and Digital Crime from Western Iowa Tech in 2022.
Raven currently works as an IT Technician at Siouxland Community Health Center, where he has served the organization for nearly six years, with the last three years focused on information technology. In addition to his professional background, Raven has held leadership roles within the Tribe, including serving as Chair of both the Language and Culture Committee and the Youth Council.
He brings a passion for service, a deep connection to his heritage, and a strong commitment to supporting his community through his role on the Board of Commissioners.
Pam Noyes
Chairwoman
District 2: Burt, Pottawatomie, Douglas and Sarpy Counties
Term Expires: 05/31/2027
Pamela M. Noyes is currently the Chairwoman for the Northern Ponca Housing Authority (NPHA) Board representative for District Two. Pam is the daughter of Danny and Barbara (Arrow) Beavers, the granddaughter of Geneva Arrow (Knudsen) and great-great granddaughter of Otto B. Knudsen.
Pam and her husband James live in Craig Nebraska; they have six children who live throughout Nebraska and four grandson's who are a blessing of joy. Pam is a motorcycle enthusiast,, belongs to the Craig Auxiliary Post #127 (since 2014), and is a member of the American Legion Rider, Post #159 of Beemer, Ne. Pam has been active in Tribe being on the Election Board for ten years, and worked on the Judicial Board.
Christopher Keifer
Vice Chair
District 3: Lancaster and Hall Counties
Term Expires: 05/31/2026
Mr. Keifer serves as the Vice Chair of our Northern Ponca Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. He has proudly served on the board since 2020. During this span he has been able to expand his knowledge base in the field of Housing, assisting with a range of projects and tasks. Notably, these include items such as creating our IHP’s, developing strategic plans and working to complete our beautiful new Elder’s Complex at Ponca Heights.
Chris has worn many hats over his professional career, from working in the field of construction for a period to working in an office setting in the insurance industry. He most recently held the position of Lead Operations Tech for a natural gas utility, but stepped down to become a stay at home father. He earned an Associate’s Degree in HVAC/R Technology from SCC and a B.A. of Organizational Communication from Doane University.
Jamie Lemus
Commissioner
District 4: Wayne, Stanton, Madison and Platte Counties
Term Expires: 05/31/2028
Jamie Lemus is a tribal member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and currently serves as Chief Paralegal for the Madison County Public Defender’s Office, a role she has held for nearly a decade. Jamie earned her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Emergency Management from Wayne State College. She is the great-granddaughter of Ernest and Babe Iron Thunder and the granddaughter of Claudette Vacha.
Jamie lives in Norfolk, Nebraska, with her husband, Nestor Jr., and their three children—Nestor III, Reylynn, and Connor—along with their dog, EZ. A dedicated mother and active community member, she enjoys coaching and cheering on her children in their many activities.
Having grown up in a Ponca Housing program home herself, Jamie understands the importance of accessible, affordable housing for Native families. Her personal experience and professional background fuel her passion for service, and she is honored to contribute to the mission of the Northern Ponca Housing Authority.
Christine Legband
Secretary
Members at Large; All Service Counties
Term Expires: 05/31/2026
Christine “Chris” Legband serves as the Secretary of the Northern Ponca Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, representing members at large across all service counties. She is the daughter of Irene (Frazier) Janis, granddaughter of Robert and Lena (Conroy) Frazier, and great-great-granddaughter of Charles and Hannah (Howe) Frazier.
Chris and her husband Mark reside in Fremont, Nebraska, where they’ve raised six children and enjoy time with their six grandchildren, who remain the center of their world. Throughout her professional career, Chris has been deeply engaged in Tribal affairs, holding positions in Social Services, Executive Management, Grants, Public Relations, and Behavioral Health.
She has also contributed her time and voice to numerous boards and committees, including the Pow Wow and Culture Committees, OSNI/PEDCO, the Ponca Gaming Enterprise Board, and the PTN Law and Justice Committee. Her ongoing service to NPHA reflects her lifelong dedication to the Tribe and its future.
Stay Connected: Upcoming Meetings
The Board of Commissioners meets regularly to discuss our programs, review community needs, and ensure that our efforts align with the mission of the Northern Ponca Housing Authority.
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Meetings are open to the public, and we encourage members of the community to attend, listen, and share their feedback.
Access Meeting Minutes
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
We are committed to maintaining transparency in our work. To keep the community informed, the Northern Ponca Housing Authority makes Board of Commissioners meeting minutes available to the public.
*Click any date below to download a pdf of the respective minutes.
