National Tribal Environmental Council

On October 20, 2010, Michelle DePass, the U.S. EPA Assistant Administrator of

the Office of International and Tribal Affairs, announced the appointment of

JoAnn Chase to the position of Director of the American Indian Environmental

Office (AIEO). This is an exciting development as JoAnn Chase is well known and

respected by tribal leaders across the country. JoAnn served as the executive director

of the National Congress of American Indians for many years, and led that organization

to become the largest and one of the most effective tribal organizations.

Before accepting her new post at EPA, JoAnn Chase served as the executive director of

the American Indian Community House in New York City. She has also served as the

executive director of the National Network of Grantsmakers. JoAnn is a skilled and

dynamic leader who has had a distinguished career. She has a law degree from the

University of New Mexico School of Law with a concentration in Indian law. JoAnn is an

enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation.

We are looking forward to working with JoAnn Chase in her new capacity. She is

exceptionally qualified, and in the near term will be an asset to EPA as it finalizes and

implements its Tribal Consultation Policy. In her career executive position, we are optimistic

that JoAnn will bring energy and vision to revitalize the American Indian Environmental

Office.�