TJ Presley
Vice President, Government Affairs
TJ Presley serves as ARA’s Vice President, Government Affairs. He joined ARA as Director of Government Affairs in July 2023, bringing more than a decade of public service and dedication to Alaska issues to the organization. He served in the Alaska Legislature for ten years, starting out as an intern with the University of Alaska Anchorage Legislative Internship program.
Throughout his legislative career, TJ served in both chambers and for several legislators in leadership positions, including as an aide to Senate Minority Leader Berta Gardner and Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmon. TJ also served as an advisor at the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas; as the Deputy Director of the Alaska Redistricting Board; and as Campaign Manager for Bill Walker’s 2022 gubernatorial campaign. In addition, he worked as a strategic advisor to the Alaska Federation of Natives Navigator Program and as a congressional affairs liaison for the US Department of Interior, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.
TJ holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, and an MBA in Finance from Alaska Pacific University.
Based in Washington, D.C., TJ is responsible for leading ARA’s policy efforts and engaging with and educating federal policymakers about issues that affect the 12 Alaska Native regional corporations.
Delaney Arnaq Naruyaq’ Thiele
Projects and Policy Specialist
Delaney Arnaq Naruyaq’ Thiele is Dena’ina Athabascan and Yup’ik originating from Anchorage. Delaney is a CIRI Shareholder with family ties to Alexander Creek and the Bethel Region.
A University of Alaska Anchorage alumni, Delaney graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Alaska Native Studies. She is passionate about Indigenous issues concerning sovereignty, self-determination, and ending violence against Indigenous relatives.
Delaney’s background in various policy related fields have helped her gain valuable knowledge on Alaska Native issues, rights, and sovereignty. From experience with the Alaska State Legislature, the Alaska Native Policy Center internship at the First Alaskans Institute to working with Native business and organizations at Northwest Strategies. Most recently, Delaney served as the Gender-based Violence Training Coordinator at the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, building their programming as well as prevention education and training materials for Tribal communities in New Mexico.
Delaney is excited at the opportunity to continue to serve Alaska Native populations and assist in the building of policy work that directly supports and uplifts the voices of Alaska Native corporations, people, and communities.
