Tracy Kennedy
Board Member
Field Coordinator, The Ford Family Foundation

Tracy Kennedy, born and raised in Harney County and enrolled with the Burns Paiute Tribe, is the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. She began her higher education journey at Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas before completing her studies at the University of Oregon in 2009. While pursuing her business degree, she discovered a passion for economics, recognizing its potential application for tribal development and prosperity.

After graduation, Tracy gained valuable fundraising experience, including grant writing and management, while working with a Eugene nonprofit. In 2012, she returned to Harney County to work with the Burns Paiute Tribe, eventually securing her dream Community and Economic Development Coordinator position in 2018. And has served the Tribe as an elected Tribal Councilman for the past 8 years, currently serving as the Tribal Chairwoman.

In this position with the Burns Paiute Tribe, Tracy's work centered on implementing the Tribe's Economic Development Strategic Plan through three key initiatives: cultural tourism, tribal entrepreneurship, and business development. Her leadership helped establish the Tukwahone Cultural and Heritage Center in Burns, which will serve as a museum, business incubator, and retail space with a Main Street presence. She facilitated an eight-unit housing development, managed a business cohort, and fostered partnerships to bring resources and opportunities to her community.

A notable collaboration includes her work with High Desert Partnership and the Biz Harney Opportunity Collaborative, which helped secure a $300,000 grant from Business Oregon in support of technical assistance for small businesses across multiple counties, including Tribal enterprises. In 2023, Tracy joined The Ford Family Foundation as a Field Coordinator while continuing to serve on the Burns Paiute Tribal Council.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Tracy finds joy in her community and family. She particularly enjoys attending community events, visiting hot springs, cheering for the Oregon Ducks, and traveling near and far with her grandchildren.