Joe Durglo named CSKT Tribal Health Director
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News from the CSKT Public Affairs & Communications
PABLO — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) announce Joe Durglo as Tribal Health Department Head.
Prior to being named the Department Head, Durglo was the Director of the CSKT Tribal Health Business Office. He brings a strong background in health finance and government operations combined with a deep passion for health promotion.
“We are excited to welcome Joe as our next CSKT Tribal Health Director,” said Tom McDonald, Tribal Council Chairman. “He not only brings experience, enthusiasm, and continuity to services but also exemplifies a strong commitment to improving community services. We are excited to see the next chapter of tribal health leadership focused on exemplary healthcare and together, look forward to successful and robust services with him at the helm.”
Durglo has served as Director of the Tribal Health Business Office for eight years, and has served as Interim Tribal Health Director since the departure of Jonathan Owens in late 2021. Durglo holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Montana State University and has Business Executive Program experience, including small business ownership and health-specific engagement. He brings a wealth of experience to the position.
“As a CSKT Tribal Member, this is my home. I have a deep dedication to the people on the reservation and I am excited to be leading the next generation of health services for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and to help demystify the complex nature of healthcare to make it easily accessible to our community. I plan to engage with the community and partner closely with the CSKT Department Directors creating a strong focus and solution-driven efforts on the social determinants of health,” says Durglo.
Durglo also served on the CSKT Council between 2006-2013. During that time, he held positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
“I have every confidence that Joe is committed to excellence for Tribal Health. In fact, he already has a set of outcome goals for the first year, working towards development of a data-driven process for decision making and improvement. I look forward to working with Joe and supporting him,” says Patricia Hibbeler, director of Tribal Member Services. “CSKT Health Department continues to be an integral service within tribal government. Joe is already creating a route for immediate access, placing customer service at the forefront along with bringing creativity for recruitment and retention for an exemplary medical team.”
Joe has lived in St. Ignatius for his entire life. He is married to Alana and together they have four children and four grandchildren. He also is an avid runner and has participated in several half marathons, thus continuing his awareness and promotion of the importance of health.
