By Lisa Pemberton, Puyallup Tribal News Editor
The Puyallup Tribal Council recently honored Tribal Member Chad Wright for his service to the Tribal community.
Wright left his job in late September as CEO of Marine View Ventures (MVV). He led the Tribal enterprise for 13 and a half years.
Council Member David Z. Bean and Chairman Bill Sterud wrap Tribal Member Chad Wright during a traditional blanketing ceremony in September.
“We generated in excess of $100 million back to the Puyallup Tribe during that time,” Wright said. “One of my primary goals was to return significant money to the Tribe.”
MVV manages the Tribe’s non-gaming and non-cannabis businesses, which include gas stations, 300 acres of real estate, a marina and two car washes. The seven Council Members serve as the Tribal entity’s board of directors.
One of Wright’s biggest accomplishments: Overseeing the expansion of the Tahoma Market and Tahoma Express gas stations and convenience stores. There are now seven Tahoma locations in area, including the flagship location next to the Emerald Queen Casino in Fife.
“Tahoma brand is well known across the Puget Sound region,” Wright said.
The Stanford MBA graduate said he always knew he wanted to serve the Tribe. After graduate school, he worked as the Tribe’s cigarette tax administrator for about 18 months, and helped set up the program, which resulted in a tax partnership with the state.
Puyallup Tribal Council thanks Tribal Member Chad Wright (center) for his service to the community. From left: David Z. Bean, Anna Bean, Annette Bryan, Wright, Chairman Bill Sterud, Vice Chairwoman Sylvia Miller, James Rideout and Monica Miller.
In March 2007, Wright was hired as CEO of what was then known as Puyallup International, and charged with restructuring the economic development arm of the tribe. During his tenure, the Tribe also acquired North Shore Golf Course.
So what’s next?
“I’m taking a break – spending some time with my kids and wife during this pandemic,” Wright said. “I really wanted to be with my two daughters during this time because they’re schooling from home, and school was such an important thing in our upbringing.”
The Tribal Council plans to hire a firm to lead a search for Wright’s replacement.
Photos courtesy of Lead Council Secretary Angel Robertiello
