Richard Luarkie, PhD

Dr. Richard Luarkie is a visionary leader with an impressive track record spanning over two decades in economic and business development leadership roles in Indian Country. 

Drawing from his diverse Tribal, public, and private sector experience in business development, strategy, and economic advancement, Dr. Luarkie has honed his skills as a dynamic entrepreneur, a recognized Tribal leader, and a strategic thinker. His experience in competitor analysis and business development has given him the tools to be creative and impactful with business capture strategy, business development, tech transfer and commercialization approaches, and business diversification.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Luarkie has embraced public leadership roles in his home tribe, which is evidenced by his service as a two-term Governor for the Pueblo of Laguna. In addition, his invaluable contributions to numerous local and national boards and committees, including his recent position on the Board of Trustees for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, attest to his unwavering dedication to fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity.

Dr. Luarkie has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of New Mexico, an MBA from New Mexico State University, and a PhD from Arizona State University.