ABOUT US

The Tribal Homeownership Coalition is the evolution of the New Mexico Homeownership Coalition.

The NM Coalition group was founded by the NM Mortgage Finance Authority in 1999. The original goal of the NMHOC is to increase homeownership opportunities in Indian country.

The reformed Tribal homeownership coalition will continue this mission serving both NM and AZ.

Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Executive Director

Chris Billey

Chris Billey is a recognized leader in tribal homeownership, with a career dedicated to advancing housing equity across Native communities for over 20 years. As Executive Director of the Tribal Homeownership Coalition of the Southwest, he champions innovative, sustainable housing solutions rooted in tribal sovereignty, economic growth, and community resilience.

Chris brings a unique blend of experience to this role, having worked extensively in affordable housing, tribal governance, commercial development, and entrepreneurship. Previously, as an active real estate agent, he helped over 100 Native families become homeowners—a testament to his deep, hands-on commitment to this work. Today, he maintains his real estate license specifically to support the Coalition’s mission of creating more homeowners on the reservation.

His impact extends beyond housing—Chris previously served as President of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Arizona, where he helped drive economic growth and opportunity for Indigenous entrepreneurs. He is a proud graduate of Arizona State University, where he focused his studies on Housing and Real Estate Development.

With deep expertise and an unwavering passion for community empowerment, Chris continues to be a driving force in transforming the landscape of tribal housing and development throughout the Southwest.

Program Manager

Melinda Williams

Melinda Williams is a proud member of the Navajo Nation. She is Naakai Dineʼ, born for Hashkʼaa Hadzohí. Her maternal grandfather is Kinyaaʼáanii, and her paternal grandfather is Tsé Deeshgizhnii. She joined the Tribal Homeownership Coalition of the Southwest (THOCSW) in 2023, driven by her passion for empowering tribal communities with the knowledge and tools to achieve homeownership.

With more than 30 years of experience in finance—including business banking, indirect lending, and 26 years dedicated to mortgage lending—Melinda is also a licensed mortgage professional through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). She has developed expertise in every stage of the lending process, including loan origination, processing, underwriting, and closing. Her extensive knowledge of mortgage products and lending systems has positioned her as a trusted leader and advocate in the field of Native homeownership.

Raised in Northern Arizona, Melinda graduated from Arizona State University and pursues her master’s degree in Global Marketing Management from Boston University. In addition to her professional work, Melinda has been actively involved in community service and leadership. She has served on the boards of the Tempe Unified School District Johnson O’Malley and Title VI Indian Education Parent Associations, and the Arizona State University Native American Alumni Chapter. She currently serves on the board of the Southwest Native Assets Coalition, continuing her commitment to advancing financial empowerment and asset-building in Native communities.

Policy and Data Analyst

Crystal Carr Cook, PhD

Yá’át’ééh shi éíyá Dr. Crystal Carr Cook yinishyé. Tó Naneesdizídéé naashá, ákondi Tseehílíídi keehashti. Ádóóné’é nishlinigii ei Tsé Deeshgizhnii nishlí, Biih Bitoodni báshíshchíín, Tł’ízíłání da shichei, áádóó Tá Neeszáhnii da shinálí.

Dr. Crystal Carr Cook is Rockgap, born for Deer Spring. Her maternal grandfather is Manygoats and paternal grandfather is of the Tangle People, born and raised in Tuba City, AZ. She joined THOCSW in 2025.

Wells Fargo: A Partner Advancing Tribal Homeownership

Wells Fargo’s support has been pivotal in advancing our work throughout Indian Country. Their investment has strengthened our internal capacity, enabling us to operate more effectively and engage directly with policymakers at both the state and federal levels as we advocate for expanded tribal homeownership.

Just as importantly, their partnership has opened doors for us to work closely with tribal members across Arizona and New Mexico—sharing knowledge and tools that have too often been withheld from Native communities for generations. Together, we are helping families build equitable assets, grow generational wealth, and claim a seat at decision-making tables within systems that were never designed with Native people in mind.

Wells Fargo’s commitment has also empowered us to innovate. With their support, we are researching, developing, and piloting new approaches that are reshaping how key institutions serve Native communities.