Two more appointments made for Begaye administration

Posted by Bill Donovan | Jul 9, 2015 | Politics |

WINDOW ROCK

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez Wednesday announced the permeant appointment of two more people to their staff.

Rick Abasta has been named director of communications and Jamescita Peshlakai has been appointed liaison to the president and vice president on veteran affairs.

Abasta has been serving as a director for communication for the office for the past two years, the first 18 months under the Ben Shelly Administration. Since Begaye and Nez took office, he has been working as acting director.

As director of communications, Abasta is the liaison between Navajo leaders and the press, both on and off the reservation. He also puts out the press releases for the office.

Born in Fort Defiance and raised in the Fort Defiance/St. Michaels area, Abasta graduated from Window Rock High School and then joined the U.S. army. After being released, he went to the Salish-Kootenai Community College in Montana and the to the University of Montana, majoring in journalism.

Coming back to this area, Abasta worked for a number of papers as a reporter, including the Navajo Times, the New Times in Phoenix and the Arizona Republic. After several years as a reporter, he started working in public relations and held a number of jobs in that area.

Speaking as director of communications, Abasta said Begaye and Nez are still looking at candidates for a number of key tribal positions such as director of the economic development and community development divisions as well as the transportation department director.

Because of their importance, Abasta said Begaye and Nez wanted to be sure to choose the most qualified person to fill them. They are expected to fill these positions within the next few weeks.