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GAO Makes New Appointments to Its Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council

WASHINGTON, DC (August 26, 2024) – Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), today announced four new appointments to its Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council. The Council, created in 2022, provides GAO with insights and counsel on matters affecting Tribal Nations and their citizens.

“The Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council has been incredibly valuable in providing GAO with advice to help Congress oversee federal programs serving Tribes, their citizens, and indigenous peoples,” Dodaro said. “Today, I am pleased to announce four new highly qualified individuals to join the Council in addressing the many challenges facing tribal communities. I’d like to thank those members whose terms have ended for their service as we look forward to working with the newly appointed members.”

GAO's oversight of federal programs that serve Tribes and their citizens aims to help the Congress determine how best to meet the government's longstanding commitments to federally recognized Tribes. The Council, which is comprised of members representing Tribal Nations, Alaska Native Corporations, Native Hawaiian communities, and state-recognized tribes, provides guidance on vital and emerging issues affecting their respective constituents and input on GAO’s work on federal programs that serve their communities.

Newly appointed members will serve three-year terms beginning in September 2024. The Council’s new members are:

  • Gail Hatcher, Vice Chairwoman, The Klamath Tribes
  • Michael Jacobs, Chief, Waccamaw Siouan Tribe of North Carolina
  • Erica Schenk, Chairwoman, Cahuilla Band of Indians
  • Phillip Williams, Council Member, Yurok Tribe

Retiring members are:

  • John Lowery, Chairman, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina
  • Corinne Sams, Member at Large, Board of Trustees, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
  • Kip Spotted Eagle, Councilman, Yankton Sioux Tribe
  • Elizabeth White Pipe, Bull Creek Tribal Representative, Rosebud Sioux Tribe
  • Christopher Adam Red, Auditor, Internal Audit Department, Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Returning members are:

  • Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, Chairwoman, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah
  • Tehassi tasi Hill, Chairman, Oneida Nation
  • Sheila Carl, Tribal Council Member, Akiak Native Community
  • Myra Pickering, Second Member, Tribal Council, Otoe-Missouria Tribe
  • Ronette Stanton, Secretary, Kenaitze Indian Tribe
  • Justin Ahasteen, Executive Director, Washington Office, Navajo Nation
  • Scott Freeny, Senior Legal Director, Division of Commerce, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
  • Virginia “Ginger” Fuata, Consumer Board Member, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Native Hawaiian Communities
  • Rhonda Harjo, Attorney and former Deputy Chief Counsel (retired), U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians/Mvskoke Nation
  • Sarah Lukin, President, Cook Inlet Region, Inc.
  • Kasie Nichols, Director, Office of Self-Governance, Citizen Potawatomi Nation

GAO established the Tribal and Indigenous Advisory Council to help inform the agency’s future work and priorities in examining federal programs that serve tribal communities and indigenous peoples. For more information about the Council, please visit GAO's website or contact Paige Gilbreath with the Natural Resources and Environment Team at (202) 512-3841. Other calls should be directed to Sarah Kaczmarek in GAO’s Office of Public Affairs at (202) 512-4800.

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The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

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