Joseph chosen as new chairman for Colville Business Council

Andy Joseph, Jr is the new chairman of the Colville Business Council, bringing 18 years of experience on the council with him. 

Seven newly elected or reelected members of the 14-member council took the oath of office July 8 at the Lucy F. Covington Government Center in Nespelem.

Former Chairman Rodney Cawston lost his seat on the council to Alison Ball in the recent election.

Joseph, who didn't have to run for reelection this year, was chosen by unanimous decision of his fellow council members to be the new chairman.

"I am blessed to be nominated and appointed like this," Joseph said at the ceremony. "I will do my best to keep our tribe and our government moving in a good direction. I have some very big shoes to fill. I believe our past chair did a pretty good job keeping us above water through some tough times... It is going to be busy. We have a whole new administration we have to look at with opportunities for our tribe to move forward, to look for more opportunities for our people, to help with our resources. It's going to be an honor."

Joseph was first elected to the council in 2003 and served consecutive terms up until 2019, getting elected again in 2020.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Superintendent Debra Wulff administered the oath of office to the newly elected or reelected CBC members including new members Dr. Alison Ball of the Nespelem District, and Tyler Zacherle-Boyd of the Inchelium District, and returning, reelected members Norma Sanchez and Karen Condon from the Omak District, Jarred-Michael Erickson from the Nespelem District, Jack Ferguson from the Keller District, and Roger Finley from the Inchelium District. 

Ferguson was named CBC Executive Committee vice-chair and Condon was named CBC Executive Committee secretary.

Members were also assigned as committee chairs, including: Karen Condon - Education and Employment, Culture; Tyler Zacherle - Law and Justice; Dr. Alison Ball - Tribal Government, Health and Human Services; Jarred-Michael Erickson - Natural Resources, Fisheries; Norma Sanchez - Management and Budget/Community Development.

Outgoing CBC members Rodney Cawston and Joel Boyd were absent from the event.