Maxine Littlejohn

SECRETARY-TREASURER, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

ENCOURAGED BY HER MOTHER to let her voice be heard, Maxine Littlejohn has been a part of tribal government all her life—from attending General Council meetings as a child to serving on the Business Committee for more than ten years during her professional career.

Littlejohn was first elected to the Business Committee in 2000 and became Secretary-Treasurer in 2003, until she temporarily left the committee to serve on the Gaming Commission from 2005 to 2009. Littlejohn returned to the Business Committee in 2015 and has been re-elected as a member every year since.

Littlejohn has vast experience in the corporate world as well—including a 30-year career with Fortune 500 company and global defense contractor Raytheon. 

Littlejohn comes from a long line of tribal activists. Her great-great-grandmother Maria Solares was a crucial figure in Chumash history, and it was her knowledge of language, culture, traditions and songs that formed the first recorded history of the Chumash tribe. 

In addition to her involvement on the Business Committee, Littlejohn upholds this legacy as a representative on the Tribal Health Board and by participating in the environmental and investment committees. She also supports local non-profits such as the Lompoc YMCA and Boys and Girls Club.

Littlejohn resides in Lompoc with her husband, Charles. When her busy schedule allows, she enjoys playing golf on the world-renowned courses in Santa Barbara County.