Ethics Board Members Positioned to Serve Tribal Citizens
By Jennifer Dougherty
For the first time since its creation in August 2010, the Pokagon Band has full membership on the Ethics Board. The Board is comprised of three tribal citizens, Ronald Sorce, David Molnar, and Joseph Topash, RN. Board members are responsible for ensuring that all Pokagon Band officials and employees are observing the standards of ethical conduct, upholding the dignity and honor of their offices and positions, and safeguarding the Pokagon Band against any illegal or unethical conduct.Members of the Board meet monthly to address complaints and other matters concerning possible code violations.
Ronald Sorce, Ethics Board Chairman, lived in the Chicago area for twenty years and worked for a global leader specializing in corporate travel management. While interested in becoming involved in tribal government, his distance from tribal headquarters posed a challenge and limited the amount of time he would have been able to dedicate to activities. After relocating to Southwestern Michigan last year, increased tribal involvement became a reality. Sorce applied for a position on the Ethics Board where he could utilize his experience with reviewing procedures, policies and contracts to ensure maximum performance and compliancy.
“What I bring to the table is a new and open mind with no previous associations that might conflict with the principles of our Ethics Code, “said Sorce. His current professional role is to oversee the travel program of a Fortune 100 client.
Vice Chairman of the Ethics Board, David Molnar, has been a resident of Houston, Texas for the past 18 years. “I have marveled from afar at the development and growth of our sovereign nation,” stated Molnar. He looks forward to being able to contribute to the tribe in many practical and helpful ways.
Molnar works for Continental Airlines, now the New United Airlines, as General Manager at the Dallas Love Field. He is responsible for maintaining accountability for the overall performance of Continental Airlines, Inc. from that location. His duties include regulatory compliance, station controls, policies and procedures, budgeting, audits and overall integrity. His experience translates well to the needs of the Ethics Board. Despite the distance from Houston to Michigan, Molnar is committed to fulfill his duty on the board and is dedicated to upholding the values of the Ethics Code.
Joseph Topash, Ethics Board Member-at-Large, of Marcellus, Michigan has been an active member of the tribe for many years. He is involved in tribal culture through traditions, dance, and has also carried the Navy/Marine Corps Veterans Corpsman Eagle Staff.
Joseph has worked in the medical field for the past 28 years as a Nurse Assistant, Nurse Technician, and a Staff Nurse before progressing to nursing management. He spent six years in the United States Navy/Marine Corps as an independent duty corpsman and served time in the Persian Gulf during Desert Shield. He has written policies and procedures for a number of organizations and businesses, and his knowledge of medical ethics and confidentiality practices will translate well to meet the needs of the Ethics Board.
“I have a very strong desire to serve all tribal citizens,” said Topash. “I look forward to serving in this capacity and thank you for the opportunity.”
While the Ethics Code was enacted in 2008, there was no governing body to identify potential code violations or to determine appropriate sanctions and penalties until the creation of the Ethics Board. Tremendous progress has been made since the Board was seated in August. Under the guidance of tribal associate general counsel Ed Williams, they have developed new processes, procedures, and official documentation critical to the operations of the Board. While they have much more work ahead of them, they are ready to reach out to the Tribal Citizens they serve and let them know that they are ready and available to support them.
The Ethics Board will be much more visible to Tribal Citizens in the coming months. The newsletter will contain detailed information on how Tribal Citizens can access important documents such as complaint and gift disclosure forms. In the meantime, an explanation on how to file a complaint or request an advisory opinion can be found in the Ethics Code posted on our website, www.pokagonband-nsn.gov. The Board can also be reached by email at ethics.board@pokagonband-nsn.gov, or by phone at 269-462-4286. All messages will be returned by a member of the Board.