Begaye-Nez make appointments to telecommunications, transportation

WINDOW ROCK

The new administration is continuing to make appointments to key positions within the Navajo tribal government.

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez Wednesday named directors for the Navajo Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and the Navajo Division of Transportation.

With these appointments, Begaye and Nez have named people to about 75 percent of the divisions and programs. Several key positions, such as for economic development, still need to be made.

Theresa Hopkins has been appointed as executive director of the Navajo Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. She previously worked for the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch.

“If you look at her background, it’s always been in telecommunications. She has a very strong background and is very knowledgeable,” said Begaye. “She was operating her own business in telecommunications.”

The telecommunications position has been gaining in power over the past decade as the tribe, as well as the chapters, have been working to increase the presences of cell phone towers and high speech broadband to all areas of the reservation.

The second appointment to Begaye-Nez cabinet was Garrett Silversmith as executive director of Navajo Division of Transportation.

“We really looked across the Navajo Nation and outside the tribe to find somebody for this position,” President Begaye said.

He said Silversmith most recently worked for BIA Roads in Chinle Agency and is knowledgeable with funding from the Federal Highway Administration and the processes for road construction and maintenance.

“The Navajo Nation is going to be assuming all responsibilities in the area of roads. The division director for NDOT needs to understand roads, from planning, assessments and engineering,” President Begaye said. “Garrett knows all of that. He’s young intelligent and has very strong leadership.”

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