James A. Benko oversees the Sault Tribe’s Health Division, which administers Health Care Services to thousands of Tribal Members and their families. Mr. Benko holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s from the University of Michigan, both in Health Care Administration, and has over 30 years of Health Care experience. When he started in August, Mr. Benko said he held individual Team Member meetings to get to know everybody. “I want the Health Center to be a great place to come to for our patients to get outstanding Health Care and be a great place for our Team Members to work. I am confident with our Team that it can be done — our focus is on serving the Tribal Community,” he said. Mr. Benko has been with his wife for 33 years, and they have a 23-year-old son who is attending Lake Superior State University in the Fall.

Joel Lumsden, is the Assistant Health Director for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Health Division and has served in his current role for eight years. He has worked for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians for over 32 years, including 25 years in healthcare. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, he is a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He attended Lake Superior State University and Northern Michigan University. His professional goals are to continue serving his community and to continue improving access to quality healthcare. In his personal time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, golf, gardening, and outdoor activities.

Devin Smith currently serves as the Diabetes & Nutrition Manager and SDPI Grant Project Director for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Her role includes the direction and coordination of diabetes program services related to diabetes education and the supervision of Diabetes Case Coordinators/CHNs, Registered Dietitians, and Diabetes Fitness Trainers. She consults with staff, offering advice or recommendations on diabetes clinical management-related issues. She also manages and coordinates grant activities, conducts annual diabetes audits, reviews and disseminates results. 

Devin holds a Master’s degree in Nursing with a focus on Nurse Education from Wilkes University and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Lake Superior State University. With an extensive background in public health leadership, Devin also previously managed maternal and child health initiatives as the Healthy Start Project Director for the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan.