Lisa Goree, Shinnecock Indian Nation chairperson, to temporarily step down

The Shinnecock Indian Nation’s first woman chairperson announced she will temporarily step down from her duties to deal with unspecified medical issues.

In a letter to Shinnecock tribe members, Lisa Goree said she had experienced “some serious medical issues that require me to focus my attention on my health.” Her three-month leave, recommended by her doctors, will mean that her responsibilities as the nation’s highest ranking member will be shared by council members and staff.

Lance Gumbs, the nation’s vice chairman, will take on the role of interim chairman, he said in an interview.

“I have the utmost confidence in our council of trustees, executive cabinet, as well as staff that have always remained committed to keeping the business of the nation a priority,” Goree wrote.

Goree on Monday confirmed the move, saying, "Right now I'm just focusing on my health." 

The move comes as the Shinnecock Nation has faced challenges to its economic development plans. New York State has filed multiple legal actions seeking to shut down its Sunrise Highway digital billboards, a primary income source for the nation, and the Town of Southampton has filed suit to block construction of its travel plaza gas station.

Both initiatives are on more than 80 acres of tribal land called Westwoods in Hampton Bays that was recognized as being federally protected in a Department of the Interior finding over a year ago. Southampton Town and New York State have challenged that federal finding in court.

Goree, who in 2025 was elected as the first woman to serve as chair of the council of trustees, also works for Southampton Town in the assessor’s office, a position she said she will continue to hold. 

By Mark Harrington

mark.harrington@newsday.comMHarringtonNews

Mark Harrington, a Newsday reporter since 1999, covers energy, wineries, Indian affairs and fisheries.