DJ Hoffman of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is a candidate for Chairman for the Sault Tribe Board of Directors for the upcoming election in 2024.
AN ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE
DJ is an outspoken advocate for Economic Development and Diversification, Education, Healthcare, Culture, and Accountability. He has taken an active role to ensure that the Tribe moves progressively forward by through actions and not mere words.
SOUND ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES
In today’s economy, the Tribe has not gone without its own blemishes. Irresponsible fiscal practices of the past have been addressed, yet there is still much to be done to ensure efficient operations within the Tribe’s Government and Enterprises.
While some may point to the Board as the sole source for approving such budgets and expenditures, DJ Hoffman has pledged not to cast a vote in favor of any annual budget while excess “administrative fat” and “inefficient allocation of resources” are allowed to continue.
A QUALIFIED CANDIDATE
Born in Sault Ste. Marie Michigan, DJ Hoffman holds a B.A. in Business from Lake Superior State University, a B.S. in Human Resources from Michigan State University, has completed his Masters in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University, and has successfully completed all required coursework for an MBA from Central Michigan University. In addition, Mr. Hoffman holds an Executive Management certificate from the University of Michigan, a Michigan Realtor License, is a Certified School Board Member, as well as a certified parliamentarian.
DJ is the currently Economic Development Director for Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, A former member of the Sault Tribe Board of Directors (2006-2010), Junior Investment Manager for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and a Marketing representative for Kewadin Casinos.
A HISTORY OF TRIBAL SERVICE
Mr. Hoffman is actively involved in the local and Tribal Community. He has served on a variety of local and Tribal Boards including 4 years as a Member of the Sault area School Board. In 2006 and 2014 DJ Hoffman was elected to serve as a Member of the Sault Tribe Board of Directors representing Unit 1. He was selected in 2016 by his fellow Board Members to serve as Vice Chairman of the Tribe, a role in which he continues in today.
PERSONAL
DJ Hoffman is the son of Lauri Henry (nee McCoy), and Donald “Joe” Hoffman, both Tribal Members. His grandfather, Ken McCoy (a past Board member) and grandmother, Helen (Gurnoe) McCoy (a direct descendent on the Durant Roll), were both born and raised on Sugar Island. Herman and Arbutus Kempf (Biron), Tribal member, were his grandparents on his father’s side. DJ has one sister, Kristi Hoffman, and one brother, Bob.
Mr. Hoffman has been married for nearly 17 years to Tan-A Hoffman, and they are the proud parents of two sons.
DJ’s mother raised him to know and be proud of who we are as a people, to be true to ourselves, give to others within our abilities, appreciate the richness of our heritage, and to strive to give back to our community. Regardless of the outcome of the election, he will continue to follow this path.