Chairman Mathiesen has had the privilege of serving as the Chairman of Chicken Ranch Rancheria Me-Wuk Indians of California on and off since January 2011.  He was elected for his current term in 2017. During his time as Chairman, he has transformed a bingo hall into a gold-rush themed, 18 years old and up, Casino with full-service dining, bistro, community event center, smoke-free table games / slot machine area, pet park, electric vehicle charging stations and a unique space for high rollers. He has also coordinated the construction of the current Tribal Office, developed new roads, added additional parking lots, and facilitated several specialty projects addressing the Tribe’s growing infrastructure needs. 

Under Chairman Mathiesen’s leadership, Chicken Ranch has increased their acquisition of ancestral lands, established a Tribal Cultural Program, and has pursued various economic development endeavors within the community. With each of these successes comes an improved understanding of self-sufficiency and greater stability for the Tribe.  

In his personal life, Chairman Mathiesen and his wife welcomed their second child in 2020 following the birth of their oldest daughter in 2018. When he is not pursuing Tribal business or enjoying his growing family, he is actively involved in the community.  

Chairman Mathiesen is also passionate about issues pertaining to Tribal sovereignty and actively supports the ongoing successes of Native American Tribes across the county. He provides exceptional vision and guidance for the future of the Chicken Ranch Tribe.