New Chief of Staff for Navajo President's Administration Named

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA – Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly appointed Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Director Arbin Mitchell as Chief of Staff for the Office of the President and Vice President.

Arbin Mitchell to Chief of Staff

President Shelly made the announcement of his appointment during a staff meeting Wednesday afternoon.

“Mr. Mitchell has a great wealth of knowledge of how the Navajo Nation government works from the chapter level to Washington. He is bringing years of experience to take our government to new heights,”

President Shelly said.

Mitchell, 53, has worked for the Navajo Nation since 1995, and was most recently the director of Community Development for the last 10 years.

“I possess vast knowledge of the geography, demographic, and economic setting of chapters and townships on the Navajo Nation. Having visited a great number of vast communities on the Navajo Nation in the tri-state I know the challenges, successes and potential of our Navajo communities,”

Mitchell said.

Mitchell added that his experience from community development helps him understand local, state, federal and Navajo Nation laws and their application to different projects.

“As director of the Division of Community Development, this was pivotal, to know the communities and needs. I am able to address their needs and lend support to their initiatives utilizing available resources,”

Mitchell said.

Mitchell was born in Ganado, Arizona. He is Todichiinii born for Ash'’hi' and is a lifelong rancher who cares for cattle, horses and sheep. He was raised in Wide Ruins by his parents Robert and Fannie Mitchell and grandparents John and Kadeebah Lynch.

“They taught me to work hard. Hard, honest work is the drive of who I am. Putting forth my absolute best for the people of the great Navajo Nation is the influence of my actions and commitment,”

Mitchell said.

Mitchell is expected to assume the role as chief of staff on Monday, Oct. 22. Isabelle Walker, who has been acting chief of staff, will continue her role as chief of staff until then.

posted October 18, 2012 6:30 am edt