Gabriel S. (“Gabe”) Galanda already has an impressive resume: he’s the managing lawyer at Galanda Broadman, was dubbed a Super Lawyer by his peers from 2013 to 2021, and was named one of five people “rocking the world with their forward thinking, innovation and commitment to social justice” by Indian Country Today.
Now he’s been appointed to the Boards of Directors for First Northwest Bancorp, the holding company for First Fed — a leadership role with the opportunity to serve and inspire communities across Washington.
“While serving on the First Federal Boards I hope to represent and give voice to the Olympic Peninsula’s historically marginalized communities, and help enhance those communities’ access to capital, whether through auto, home or small business loans,” Galanda says. “I also hope to help First Fed remain acutely conscious of social equity issues.”
A new generation of leadership
Galanda replaces retiring board member David Blake, who has served on the board since 2005.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors we thank Dave for his many years of valuable service, and we wish him the very best as he enters retirement,” says Stephen E. Oliver, Chairperson of the Board. “At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Gabe to our Board. The combination of his legal expertise, his commitment to the betterment of the communities we serve, and his knowledge of the needs of the traditionally underserved within those communities will be of great value to the future deliberations of our Board.”
Galanda belongs to the Round Valley Indian Tribes of California, descending from the Nomlaki and Concow Peoples, and frequently comments on Indigenous rights issues for major international news outlets. He was born and raised in Port Angeles.
“The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe is delighted with this appointment of Gabe Galanda to the First Fed Board. We have known Gabe for many years and know he will complement the Board with extensive knowledge and experience with Native Nations and our financial interests,” says W. Ron Allen, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Chairman and CEO. “Gabe represents the coming generations of Indigenous leaders who will help corporate organizations and boards succeed in positively impacting life in local communities.”
Hometown home run
The appointment to the Boards of Directors is a bit of a homecoming for Galanda, who first interacted with First Fed in 1986.
“I played second base for the Sequim First Federal little league team when I was 10 and 11 years old,” he says with a smile. “Reuniting with First Fed 35 years later, I hope to make some demonstrable difference in improving life on the Peninsula.”
First Fed is a local community bank which has served customers and communities since 1923. Currently First Fed has 15 locations across Western Washington in Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Whatcom, and King counties. Recently First Fed was recognized as a Forbes 2021 Best-in-State Bank, one of only three in Washington.
“While serving on the First Federal Boards I hope to represent and give voice to the Olympic Peninsula’s historically marginalized communities, and help enhance those communities’ access to capital, whether through auto, home or small business loans,” Galanda says. “I also hope to help First Federal remain acutely conscious of social equity issues.”