Cota's team is committed to supporting tribal economies through thoughtful economic and strategic planning, by fostering innovative business opportunities, and developing resources for tribes that strengthen governance and sovereignty.
Roger Fragua
Roger Fragua (Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico) has dedicated his professional career to the advancement and development of American Indian communities. Roger is currently the President of Cota Holdings, LLC, whose mission is to support Tribal community and economic development in the energy, agriculture and telecommunication sectors.
Roger served the Tribes as the Deputy Director of the Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT), based in Denver, Colorado. Under the direction of the elected leadership of the 47 federally recognized Tribes and four Canadian First Nations, CERT has dramatically restructured the federal-Indian relationship with respect to minerals, mining, taxation, and Tribal jurisdiction over environmental regulations on Indian lands.
Prior to joining CERT, Roger worked as a manager for Enron Corporation in Houston, Texas where he was instrumental in creating innovative business concepts and promoting partnerships between Tribes and Enron. Enron, the most innovative Fortune 500 Corporation in the U.S. over the last several years, developed a genuine interest in seeking partnerships with Tribes in many areas of energy development, not limited to but to include; gas, electricity, wind and water.
Roger currently serves as the Director of a national agricultural hub offering Tribal communities and individual agricultural producers technical assistance, eligibility, and access involving federal, state, local, and organizational resources.
Roger has also worked with the Western Governors’ Association and the National Tribal Environmental Council on State and Tribal relations as it relates to environmental issues. The basis for Roger’s commitment to Indian Country is steeped in his long tenured background as the Tribal Administrator for his own Pueblo. Roger served as the Tribal political and business resource of the Pueblo of Jemez for several years.
Roger is married to Clarice of San Felipe Pueblo, New Mexico and has three sons and one daughter.
Leslie Elgood
For over three decades Leslie Elgood has applied her management experience, strategic acumen and dedication to social change for organizations including as President of the University of New Mexico Foundation and as President and CEO of New Mexico Community Capital. New Mexico Community Capital provides community development venture capital funding and business services to promising businesses to help create jobs and alleviate poverty in New Mexico. Leslie is a recipient of the SBA Small Business Innovator Award and the JCC Humanitarian Award for Good Investing—bestowed annually to an individual who demonstrates visionary work and strategic leadership in the field of non-traditional investing and community development.
Leslie formerly owned and operated Senior Relocation Services of New Mexico, LLC, a nationally accredited business that helped boomers, seniors and their families successfully navigate challenges associated with relocation and other major lifestyle transitions.
Atherton Phleger
Atherton Phleger is an attorney with a background in tribal economic development, strategic planning, and climate resilience. Atherton graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of New Mexico School of Law with a J.D. and a Certificate in Natural Resources Law. He also holds a B.A. in English from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he graduated as Valedictorian of the English Department.
As a Senior Advisor at Cota Holdings LLC, Atherton Phleger provides strategic planning services for tribal economic development and climate adaptation projects, as well as guidance for non-native entities seeking to partner with tribes and their businesses or invest in tribal projects.
Earlier in his career, Atherton served Program Director at Climate Advocates Voces Unidas (CAVU), and New Mexico Tribal Liaison for the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center. In those roles, he successfully managed tribal engagement projects, collaborated with tribal stakeholders, and played a pivotal role in the development of regional intertribal adaptation planning efforts.
Atherton Phleger currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Board at Flower Hill Institute, where he assists the organization's strategic planning and fundraising efforts.
Atherton’s professional history demonstrates strong commitments to Indian Country, climate adaptation, and economic justice. He is grateful for the ability to further these commitments as senior advisor to Cota Holdings.
Bryn Fragua
Bryn Fragua uses his extensive background providing services to tribal governments, tribal associations and tribal communities in a variety of capacities. Bryn brings valuable insight from a client’s perspective and knowledge on issues concerning energy and environment projects. Driven by providing the highest service possible. Bryn takes pride in providing the best and most efficient solutions to COTA clients. Bryn has been recognized for his commitment to serving Tribal communities. From assisting with helping run health and fitness camps for Tribal community youth to executing and managing FEMA projects on Tribal lands.
Bryn is a member of the Pueblo of Jemez (NM) and a proud father to two happy children.