Cowen Partners Assists United American Indian Involvement with CEO Search
June 26, 2025 – Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of John R. Reeves as the new CEO of United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII). This follows a national executive search led by Cowen Partners in partnership with UAII’s executive search committee, which included board members, staff, and community stakeholders. Sam Torres, managing director, led the assignment. “We are proud to have partnered with UAII in this important appointment,” said Mr. Torres. “John Reeves exemplifies the leadership, integrity, and vision needed to carry UAII’s mission forward.”
“Torres brings extensive experience recruiting for Native American Tribal Corporations and understands the unique leadership needs of sovereign and urban Native organizations,” UAII said. “His culturally informed approach and commitment to diversity ensured a thorough process rooted in community alignment.”
“We are excited to welcome John as the new CEO of UAII in this important time for our community and organization,” said Hope Craig, UAII board chairwoman. “His visionary leadership and passion have already had a lasting impact on healthcare in Indian Country, making him the ideal candidate to lead UAII with integrity, innovation and a profound commitment to our communities.”
With more than two decades of experience driving healthcare innovation and community-led transformation, Mr. Reeves brings a deep commitment to Native values, healthcare equity, and culturally grounded service delivery. He will lead UAII’s efforts to serve nearly 145,000 Native youth, adults, and elders across Los Angeles County.
Mr. Reeves is the founder of Indigenous Healthcare Advancements, a non-profit focused on expanding access to healthcare in Native communities. He most recently served as Tribal chief operating officer of health for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, where he played a central role in expanding tribal health systems and culturally centered care.
“I am honored to join United American Indian Involvement and serve as CEO of this essential community organization,” said Mr. Reeves. “UAII’s dedicated team has provided life-changing, comprehensive services in the urban Los Angeles community for over 50 years. I’ve dedicated my career to the integration of medicine with culturally grounded, holistic care, and I look forward to working in this community to continue to provide these critical services in a way that honors and strengthens Native traditional values.”
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UAII is a community-based organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian populations in urban centers. With a mission centered on promoting high-quality, culturally integrated services, UAII works to reconnect individuals and families with their language, culture, and traditions while responding to the ever-changing needs of the communities it serves.
Proven Search Firm
Cowen Partners serves both small and large, publicly traded, pre-IPO, private, and non-profit organizations. Its clients are typically $50 million to multi-billion-dollar revenue Fortune 1000 companies or have assets between $500 million to $15 billion. Placements span the entire C-suite and include VP and director-level leadership roles. Cowen Partners has placed hundreds of candidates in industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, financial services, and private equity.
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Shawn Cole is a co-founder of Cowen Partners. He is a serial entrepreneur and executive leader with over 15 years’ experience founding and running companies. His business career has been centered on value creation for both turnarounds and start-ups. Mr. Cole helps find executive talent, such as a CEO, CFO, COO, chief revenue officer, and chief marketing officer. Clients are both small and large, publicly traded, pre-IPO, private, and non-profit organizations, typically $50 million to multi-billion dollar revenue Fortune 1000 companies or have assets between $1 billion and $15 billion.
As a founding partner of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt has drawn on his career experience in sales and executive recruiting. As a founding partner and practice leader for Cowen Partners sales and marketing division, Mr. Wendt has placed high-quality executives in positions such as chief revenue officer, chief marketing officer, vice president of sales, and vice president of marking, among others.
Mr. Torres leads the executive search with a deep understanding of the unique needs and obligations of Native American Tribal Corporations. “With extensive experience in recruiting for these organizations, Sam is exceptionally qualified to identify and place diverse, high-caliber talent that not only drives business success but also creates lasting value for Native communities,” Cowen Partners said. “His commitment to this cause is evident in his ability to connect with leaders, curate strategic talent pools, and ensure that executive placements are perfectly aligned with both the cultural and business goals of Native American enterprises.”
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
