About Us
RDSA is a nonprofit that creates jobs and builds solutions for the Makah community.
Founding Story
RDSA is a 501(c)3 founded by Tom Hahn in 2010 with the goal of creating employment for Makah Tribal members and spouses. The organization’s home base is in Neah Bay, Washington on the Makah Reservation; a rural area with minimal available opportunities.
In 2009 Mr. Hahn took it upon himself to take a look around and see what could be done to generate funding and jobs in the community. After several months of work, he officially founded RDSA with the goal of creating job opportunities for Makah Tribal members and spouses. To add jobs in the Commercial Fishing Industry, Construction and timber Industry that are the mainstay of local employment.
Our Goals
Empowering Makah Tribal Members and Spouses through Research and Development
Our Impact
Jobs, Justice, and Infrastructure in Action
Our work is grounded in local needs and led by Indigenous voices, turning funding into real jobs, vital infrastructure, and lasting opportunity.
25+
Jobs Created for Tribal Members
Employment opportunities across fishing, construction, and vessel restoration — all filled by the Makah community.
6
Community Projects Completed
Key infrastructure improvements supporting long-term economic growth, including docks, vessel removal, and equipment upgrades.
$260,000+
Secured in Public and Private Grant Funding
Funding from federal, state, and nonprofit sources invested directly into local jobs and community-led development.
100%
Indigenous Leadership & Workforce
Every board member and project hire comes from the Makah Tribe, ensuring our work is rooted in local knowledge and lived experience.
Understanding the Need
The Economic Reality in Neah Bay
Despite a rich cultural legacy and natural beauty, Neah Bay faces systemic challenges such as high unemployment, stagnant wages, and limited job opportunities. RDSA is working to address these issues through local empowerment and economic development.
12.1%
Unemployment Rate in Neah Bay
Nearly triple the Washington State average of 4.2%.
60%
of the Statewide Average Wage
Wages are 40% below the statewide average, up from 19% in 1990.
935
Population of Neah Bay
A small but resilient community (2020 census data).
87.6
USDA Distress Score
Qualifies Neah Bay as a “Distressed Community.”
0.8106
Social Vulnerability Index Score
Marks the area as “Disadvantaged” per CEJST standards.
$63,750
Median Household Income
Reflecting limited access to higher-wage opportunities.
Rooted in Community, Powered by Purpose
Everything we do starts with listening to and honoring the needs of the Makah people, ensuring our work reflects their vision and values.
Indigenous-Led, Community-Driven
Guided by Indigenous leadership and shaped by community priorities, we focus on creating meaningful, measurable change.
Empowering Our People, From Within
By investing in local skills and opportunities, we strengthen the Makah community’s capacity for self-determination and growth.
Built by and for the Makah Community
Our board, staff, and projects are deeply rooted in Makah culture and leadership, ensuring every effort serves our people first.
How We Operate
Small Team, Deep Impact
RDSA is a volunteer-led nonprofit driven by collaboration, cultural commitment, and smart grant funding. We keep operations lean so every dollar and decision benefits the Makah community directly.
01
Community-Led Visioning
Projects start with listening.
RDSA engages directly with Makah Tribal members to understand local needs such as jobs, infrastructure, or tools and ensures every initiative is rooted in their priorities.
02
Purposeful Project Design
Creating jobs through responsive solutions.
Based on community input, RDSA designs projects that generate employment and meet real needs like dock construction or equipment access for local fishermen.
03
Strategic Grant Funding
Fueling impact through partnerships.
To fund operations and projects, RDSA secures grants and support from agencies and donors aligned with its mission to uplift rural Indigenous communities.
04
​Local Delivery and Measurable Results
Driving change and tracking outcomes.
Projects are executed with care often by local tribal members and their success is measured by tangible outcomes such as jobs created tools delivered and communities empowered.
Our Team
The People Behind RDSA
A dedicated group of Makah Tribal members and volunteers committed to creating meaningful opportunities and lasting impact for the Neah Bay community. Each advisor is a proud member of the Makah Tribe, ensuring authentic leadership and cultural connection.
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Thomas Hahn
CEO
RH
Roy Hartwell
Advisor/Fisherman
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Randy Hahn
Advisor/Fisherman
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Keri Hahn
Advisor/Teacher
