Ellsworth LLC Is Proving That Native-Led Contracting Can Move Faster — and Deliver More

By Guest Writer

Michael Woestehoff, a Navajo citizen born in Tuba City and raised in Ganado, Arizona, founded Ellsworth LLC to create a direct and effective link between federal agencies and Native communities.

Ellsworth acquired its UEI number in 2016, remaining dormant until 2023 when Woestehoff made the decision to leave W-2 employment and commit fully to building his own company. It was a deliberate leap of faith — one that quickly proved worthwhile.

In less than two years, Ellsworth has secured over 75 federal contracts valued at $9.9 million, placing highly qualified healthcare professionals in Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities and delivering critical supplies and services to tribal nations. The company’s mission is to provide efficiency, cultural competency, and economic empowerment through high-quality government contracting solutions.

---

From Advocacy to Execution

Woestehoff’s professional background includes intergovernmental affairs and policy work for organizations such as the National Indian Education Association and the Indian Gaming Association. Over years in these roles, he saw recurring challenges in staffing and service delivery for Native communities.

“I knew we could deliver better — faster placements, culturally competent care, and solutions that truly respected the sovereignty of Native nations,” Woestehoff says.

That insight led to the revival of Ellsworth in 2023 with a sharper focus on meeting federal contracting needs while aligning with the priorities of tribal governments.

---

Delivering With Cultural Competency

Ellsworth operates with a Culturecare-first, mission-driven model. Every healthcare professional placed through the company completes cultural competency training, ensuring they understand and respect the traditions, languages, and histories of the communities they serve.

The company’s services extend beyond staffing, offering logistical support, infrastructure development, and specialized training programs to help agencies meet critical objectives without compromising cultural integrity.

---

Operating With Agility

Government contracting often moves slowly, but Ellsworth has developed processes that reduce delays and remove bottlenecks. The team maintains strong relationships with tribal leadership and has created recruitment pipelines that allow projects to launch in weeks rather than months.

As healthcare labor shortages intensify — with some states projected to face deficits of more than 10,000 nurses by 2028 — Ellsworth’s speed and reliability have become key advantages for agencies under pressure to deliver.

---

Building on a Legacy

Woestehoff’s work is rooted in personal history. His grandfather served as a Navajo Code Talker during World War II, and that legacy of service guides the company’s values.

“Every contract is an opportunity to deliver quality work and strengthen Native communities,” he says.

---

Looking Ahead

Ellsworth is working toward placement on the GSA Multiple Award Schedule, which would expand its access to federal partnerships and long-term agreements.

Beyond contracts, Woestehoff is investing in youth training programs, financial literacy initiatives, and workforce housing near healthcare facilities, creating a talent pipeline for future Native healthcare providers.

---

Ellsworth LLC delivers operational excellence, cultural understanding, and measurable results for federal agencies serving Native communities. With its strategic growth plan and commitment to long-term impact, the company is positioned to shape the next era of Native-led government contracting.

---

To join Ellsworth LLC’s locum tenens services, medical staffing solutions, and current job placement opportunities, create a free profile at:

We look forward to helping you embark on a rewarding and adventurous career. Ellsworth LLC is proud to confirm its eligibility under the Buy-Indian set-aside ISBEE (UEI: E84NXMLHLMS5) and operates under NAICS Codes 561320 — Temporary Help Services and 621111 — Offices of Physicians, except Mental Health Specialists. Our business model and services are designed to meet these specific requirements, and our partnership with LiquidAgents Healthcare, LLC and StaffingEngine, LLC supports us. With over 22 years of combined recruiting expertise, we ensure culturally competent staffing solutions that meet the needs of healthcare professionals and organizations alike.