Reno-Sparks Indian Colony hires first public relations officer

Stacey Montooth has been hired by the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony as the tribe’s first public relations/community information officer.

A member of the Walker River Paiute Tribe and a graduate of the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism, Montooth has spent more than a decade working in community relations, primarily in higher education and college athletics.

“The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony has so many good stories to share,” Montooth said. “It is a vibrant, expanding organization which balances our traditional teachings and our rich culture with contemporary business methods and innovative governmental practices.”

Montooth, who grew up in Fallon and graduated from Churchill County High, has served as the assistant commissioner of the Missouri Valley Conference as well as the Sports Information Director at both, McKendree and Columbia colleges. At the Olympic Games held in Atlanta in 1996, Montooth was also a summer intern at the Lahontan Valley News. Montooth was the press center manager at the softball venue.

She was also the media coordinator for the 2005 NCAA Men’s Final Four and the assistant media coordinator of the 2001 Women’s Final Four basketball championships.

“Stacey’s background working with the media will be extremely helpful as we enhance our communications regarding our community events and economic developments,” said Arlan D. Melendez, chairman of the RSIC. “We look forward to adding her expertise to the staff.”

The RSIC was established in the early 1900’s and formed a federally recognized government in 1934 under the Indian Reorganization Act. Located in Reno, the RSIC consists of over 1,000 members from three Great Basin Tribes — the Paiute, the Shoshone and the Washoe. The reservation lands consist of the original 28-acre Colony located in central west Reno and another 1,920 acres in Hungry Valley, which is 19 miles north of the Colony and west of Spanish Springs nestled in scenic Eagle Canyon.

For information about Montooth, the RSIC community, culture, departments, economic developments, business opportunities and services, contact her at 775-329-2936, ext. 3268 or at smontooth@rsic.org