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- By Tribal Business News Staff
- Policy and Law
James A. Crawford has resigned as chairman of the Forest County Potawatomi Community after reportedly being selected as the next United States Department of Transportation’s assistant secretary of tribal affairs, according to a news release from the tribe. He would become only the second Native American to hold this high-level federal position.
Crawford would follow Arlando Teller, a citizen of the Navajo Nation who served as the department's first-ever Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs after being appointed to the position in April 2023. The Assistant Secretary position was established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which created an Office of Tribal Affairs within the DOT’s Office of the Secretary.
The DOT position is a presidential appointment that does not require Senate confirmation.
"Thank you to the tribal membership for the confidence in me as an elected leader of the tribe over the last 15 years," Crawford said in the release posted on Facebook.
Forest Country Vice Chairman Ken George Jr. will serve as acting chairman until a special election on May 10 fills the position. Nominations will be sought on May 5 at the tribe's next general member meeting.
"Chairman Crawford spent many years working for the tribe and serving in tribal leadership. He has been instrumental in helping us overcome countless obstacles and achieve numerous milestones," George said in a statement. “His steady leadership, constant presence, and unwavering commitment to the Potawatomi will most certainly be missed.”
Crawford has been a vocal advocate for tribal economic diversity. During an address last year at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, he emphasized the tribe's business portfolio extends beyond gaming.
"Today, our tribe is part of what makes Milwaukee a great place to live and work," Crawford said. "While we are best known for entertainment and tourism, our tribe is also a part of the fabric of this community through our construction, technology, and real estate business ventures."
The Forest County Potawatomi Community is one of 11 federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin.
Tribal Business News reached out to the DOT to confirm Crawford's appointment but had not heard back as this story was published.
