SEDC Board of Directors

Michael Castello
Chairman

Michael Castello Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians tribal member, a father of four, and a grandfather of eight. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from California State University, San Bernardino.

Since 1995, Michael has served the Soboba community in numerous leadership roles, including Casino Manager Trainee, Table Games Manager, Gaming Commissioner, Chairman of the Gaming Commission, Casino Assistant General Manager, Casino General Manager, Tribal Administrator, Tribal Council Member, and Chairman of the Soboba Economic Development Corporation. Throughout these roles, he played a key part in developing and implementing essential initiatives such as the Soboba Tribal Credit and Housing Programs, Soboba Preschool, multiple land acquisitions and fee‑to‑trust transfers, regulatory compliance for the Soboba Casino, and the installation of two one‑megawatt solar fields. He has also overseen as many as 26 Tribal Government Departments and presented both Tribal and Casino budgets to the Membership annually.

Michael has served on several community committees, including the Election Committee, Tribal Emergency Response Committee, Economic Development Group, and the Valley Economic Development Group.
In addition to his internal leadership, Michael has collaborated closely with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA), National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of the Interior (DOI), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Riverside County, and surrounding city governments.

Tatiana Diaz
Vice Chairwoman

Tatiana Diaz was elected to the Soboba Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Board of Directors in November 2024. She holds both an Associate of Science degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, the latter of which she recently completed at the University of California, Riverside.

Tatiana is deeply committed to supporting the Tribe and remains actively involved in Tribal initiatives while serving on the SEDC Board. Her academic background, combined with her dedication to community-centered economic growth, strengthens her ability to contribute meaningful insight and thoughtful leadership.

Passionate about giving back and fostering long-term prosperity, Tatiana is eager to apply her skills, education, and experience to advance the mission of the Soboba Economic Development Corporation. She looks forward to helping guide sustainable development, promote new opportunities, and support the continued success of the Soboba community.

Steven Nino
Secretary/
Treasurer

Steven Nino has dedicated more than 20 years to helping Soboba grow stronger, more innovative, and more connected. Many say he “grew up” with the Tribe—and Steven often jokes that his career truly began the day he fixed his first server in a tiny back office and thought, “Someday, we’re going to build something incredible here.” He’s never stopped pursuing that vision.

With degrees in Computer Networking, Information Security, and an MBA, Steven has served as Chief Information Officer for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians since 2011. He oversees all technology operations for Tribal Government, Noli School, Soboba Springs Golf Course, the Gaming Commission, Casino, T.A.N.F., and every Tribal enterprise—ensuring systems remain secure, efficient, and ready for the future.

Since August 2021, Steven has served on the Soboba Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Board as Secretary/Treasurer, where his planning expertise, analytical approach, and long institutional history have guided some of SEDC’s most successful ventures. He played a key role in the planning, structure, launch, and growth of businesses the community knows today—including Roadrunner Express, DrinkRIVR, and the Red Falcon partnership. Drawing from two decades of Soboba knowledge, he brings a deep understanding of what moves the Tribe forward and how to position new enterprises for long term success.

Beyond Soboba, Steven’s experience includes supporting large scale industry transitions such as the Washington Mutual to Chase merger, and he continues to serve as a TribalNet ambassador, helping advance technology across Indian Country.

Known for delivering results, building strong teams, and driving innovation that strengthens long term Tribal sustainability, Steven is committed to maximizing ROI, reducing costs, and keeping Soboba ahead of the curve.

As Steven often says, “Technology isn’t just equipment—it’s a promise to future generations.”

Jennine Jordan
Director

Jennine Jordan is an executive and business development learner with over 15 years of experience dedicated to advancing the economic and social well-being of Alaska Native corporations and Tribal entities. An Inupiaq (Inuit) woman from Anchorage, AK, she is currently a Yah Executive in a highly selective, six-year executive development program with Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI). This role provides executive-level support and mentorship directly from the CEO, focusing on business lines, strategy, and ANCSA/mission-critical programs.

She also has extensive experience in proposal compliance and business development research, having held roles as a Proposal Compliance Manager for Bering Straits Native Corporation and a Business Research & Support Specialist for Diné Development Corporation.

Ms. Jordan’s educational foundation includes a Master of Public Policy and a Master of Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University (2009), as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Bachelor of Science in Latin American Studies with a Minor in American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona (2006). She further holds a graduate-level certificate in the Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program (2016). She is CCEP and PMP certified and is a a wife and mom of three children. She lives locally in the Coachella Valley.

David Hong
Director

David Hong serves as a Director for Soboba Economic Development Corporation, bringing a strong background in tribal governance, legal compliance, and strategic contract negotiation. He currently works as a Paralegal supporting both tribal government and gaming enterprise operations, where he assists in reviewing, drafting, and negotiating multimillion-dollar agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance, and assisting in advising executive leadership and Tribal Council on legal and policy matters.

David has extensive experience in federal Indian law, contracts, probate, dependency, and property law. His work includes assisting with drafting tribal laws, governmental resolutions, and internal policies and procedures that strengthen institutional governance and operational accountability. He also serves as a key liaison for legal correspondence and intergovernmental matters, supporting collaborative relationships across agencies and stakeholders.

Academically, David is pursuing his Juris Doctor at the University of La Verne College of Law, with an expected graduation in December 2028. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA, and previously completed his Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies as Valedictorian.

David is committed to long-term service to the Soboba community and, upon completionof law school, intends to continue supporting and assisting the Tribe in advancing its legal, governmental, and economic development initiatives. Fluent in English and Korean, he brings dedication, integrity, and a forward-looking perspective to his role on the Board.