Buffey BourassaBuffey Bourassa

Buffey Bourassa (Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians) was born and raised in Mendocino County, growing up on the Pinoleville Reservation and in town, where she developed deep roots in the community she now serves. She brings more than a decade of experience working across county systems and Tribal governance, with a focus on strengthening community wellbeing, accountability, and access to essential services. Bourassa currently serves as the Restorative Justice Program Manager with the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, leading initiatives focused on healing, accountability, and successful reentry. She has also worked in County Human Resources and Public Health, and has advocated for workers’ rights as a former SEIU Steward and member of the county negotiating team. A former three-term Tribal Council member for the Sherwood Valley Rancheria of Pomo Indians, she brings deep experience in Tribal leadership and federal engagement. She is an alum of Advance’s Native Leadership Institute (NLI)*. Bourassa is running for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors to expand economic opportunity, address housing and cost of living challenges, improve public safety through community-based approaches, and ensure meaningful partnership with Tribal Nations across District 3. *For identification purposes only; NLI is a nonpartisan program.