Maria Coleman currently supports the Board of Directors as its Corporate Secretary. Maria was elected by the Shareholders to the Eklutna Inc. Board for seven different terms since 1997 and was appointed by the Board at various times as Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. Maria gained valuable experience by serving on the EAFB Community Environmental Board and U.S. Army Ft. Richardson RAB, 2003-2007; Eklutna River Watershed Council, 2003-2007; Native Village of Eklutna Tribal Council, 1998-2004; UAF Cooperative Extension Service Advisory Council, 2002-2004; Eklutna Utilities, Inc. Board of Directors, 1995-1997; and the Alaska Migrant Education Statewide Advisory Council, 1994-1997.

During the 2006-2007 term, Maria Coleman served on the NALA Executive Committee, Powder Ridge Master Homeowners Association, EDSI Bylaws/Policy Committee, and the Municipality of Anchorage Mt. Baldy Committee. In recent years, she has also served on the CIRI Sand & Gravel committee, Eklutna Policy Committee, 12(b) Selection Committee, and has conducted other assignments as directed by the Eklutna Inc. Board.

Maria's work experience as an employee of Eklutna Inc. and Native Village of Eklutna (NVE) began after ten years of being an at-home mom. Beginning in 1995, Maria learned the nuts and bolts of corporate documents, regulations, computer operation, grant writing, policy development, government-to-government consultations, historical and cultural data interviews, research, report writing, and speaking up for Indian Children/ICWA compliance. During this time, Maria served as a member of the tribe's NAHASDA Housing Commission, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, and was selected by a tribal Elder to serve as a Tribal Judge. Employment with NVE ended in March 2007, and work on the home front is underway.

Maria Coleman graduated from Copper Valley School in May 1971; attended federal and private trainings covering federal regulations, financial management, business management, policy, Roberts Rules of Order, ICWA, NAHASDA, environmental topics, employment, tribal court, Indian Law, grant writing, and other topics. Village Management Institute, May 23-29, 2004, Sheldon Jackson College; F/T University of Alaska 1989-1991, Business and Accounting emphasis, one archeological class University of Alaska 2006, Dena'ina in Anchorage; F/T Anchorage Community College 1981-1982, Art emphasis; and OJT in every work position since day one.

Maria Coleman, daughter of Elizabeth (Ezi) Mills, is the granddaughter and great granddaughter of the honored Ezi Chiefs of Eklutna and Matanuska. Maria is also one of 10 adopted children of Herlee and Rita Stineburg of Palmer, Alaska. Maria has five children and 13 grandchildren as well as several "Spirit" Children, those that just claim her and belong.