Candace Hamana (Hopi) joins the Arizona Commerce Authority as its first Tribal Liaison. She serves as the ACA’s primary point of contact for Arizona’s 22 tribal nations. She works alongside tribal leaders, state and local government officials, and community organizations to support economic, workforce, and community development, including efforts to enhance broadband service on tribal lands through the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) and Digital Equity programs. Candace has been in public affairs and communications for over 15 years. She has worked for public, private, government, and tribal sectors spanning legislative affairs, business development, tribal media relations, water utility resources, and public health. Prior to joining ACA, she was an independent consultant through her business Badger PR where she specialized in strategic communications to connect brands through traditional and digital advertising, culturally cognizant marketing, and public relations. Candace is Hopi from the badger clan. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of South Carolina and received her master’s degree in digital audience strategies from Arizona State University. She is a proud military mom to her son Anthon