Lucille White (Seneca)
Elder Consumer Representative
I am an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation (Wolf Clan), and I reside on the Seneca Nation’s Cattaraugus Territory. I am the middle daughter of enrolled Seneca members Ruth (Burr) and Frank Goode.
I am the Director of the Seneca Nation (SN) Community Planning and Development Department, with over 30 years of experience in the areas of administration, organizational development, community and economic development, planning, and grants administration and development. I continuously strive to maintain and further my knowledge of Seneca culture and history in order to assure cultural continuity in future generations. My professional objective is to expand and utilize my experience and knowledge toward success, to serve as a role model to others, and to serve as an instrument in strengthening the Seneca Community.
My experience includes serving as Deputy Director of Planning/Development, with responsibility for several major projects including Elder Care, Housing Development, the Business Incubator, and Credit Union, to name a few. I currently oversee many developing projects and also supervise approximately 25 professional and support staff members. Previous positions with the Seneca Nation have included Executive Assistant to the Treasurer, Executive Assistant to the President, Administrator for the Council Office, Director of Housing, and founding member and former CEO of the Native American Development Corporation.
I have a long and distinguished history of service with tribal, local, and regional professional and civic organizations. Examples of recent/current service include: almost 10 years on the SN Health Board, several years as Chairperson; almost 20 years in service to the SN Economic Development Company, including serving as Chairperson; more than a decade on the SN Investment Board; founding member and current Secretary/Treasurer of the Seneca Diabetes Foundation; WNY Consultants Association; Southern Tier West – Regional Development Board; the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, and the National Indian Child Welfare Association. In addition, I was the Executive Director of “Honor Indian Treaties,” an organization formed to assist the fight against New York State that threatened the sovereignty of our Nation.
Elder care projects have been my personal priority for over twelve years. In particular, I have worked with several elder care experts on an assisted living project that would provide aging in place for Seneca elders. Through honoring our elders, we must continue to assist in meeting their needs. Our elders deserve a better quality of life and to be respected.
I particularly enjoy serving on the Healthy Brain Initiative Project, as it provides me with the hope that, with reinforcements of many people working together, we can accomplish great things for our elders.