Butler appointed as acting executive director of Navajo Government Development

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br>
Communications Director Joshua Lavar Butler of the Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker has been temporarily appointed to run the Navajo Government Development office by Speaker Morgan. Butler's appointment was made May 8 and will run until July 8, or until a permanent appointment is made.

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br> Communications Director Joshua Lavar Butler of the Navajo Nation Office of the Speaker has been temporarily appointed to run the Navajo Government Development office by Speaker Morgan. Butler's appointment was made May 8 and will run until July 8, or until a permanent appointment is made.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - Navajo Council Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan has temporarily appointed Communications Director Joshua Lavar Butler to run the Navajo Government Development office.

Speaker Morgan made the appointment on May 8. Butler will serve as acting executive director for no more than 60 days - until July 8 - or until a permanent appointment is made. He will be responsible for the proper administration of the department, including overseeing and supervising employees and managing day-to-day operations.

"[Joshua] Butler is a staff member of the Office of the Speaker and brings with him a working knowledge of the Navajo government. He is familiar with the internal procedures of the Navajo government and has the professional contacts to maintain the office. These skills and knowledge will assist the office in maintaining an effective working atmosphere," Speaker Morgan said in an appointment letter.

"The office requires the immediate action of my office to ensure work continues at a steady rate. Mr. Butler is fully aware of the goals and objectives of the office based on his legislative experience with the Navajo Nation," he added.

"The office was created to assist the Navajo Nation Council in instituting reforms necessary to ensure an accountable and responsible Navajo tribal government and to conduct long-range comprehensive planning, evaluation and development of goals to enhance a government that will perpetually accommodate the Navajo people," Butler said.

"Recently, the office completed a comprehensive study of the recommended actions to be taken based on the input of the Navajo Nation Council regarding the Diné Policy Institute's study of constitutional feasibility and government reform and will report to Council three themes for continued movement toward proposed structural changes," he added.

"One particular recommendation overwhelmingly supported by agency caucuses is to initiate a study on the efficiency and effectiveness of the executive and judicial branches of the Navajo Nation as well in an effort to provide the Navajo people with a comprehensive picture of their tribal government and its performance," he said.

Former executive directors included Perry B. Yazzie, Sylvia Laughter and Michelle Dotson, current legal counsel for Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr., and Tony Skrelunas.

Butler is Tódích'íi'nii (Bitter Water Clan), born to Kinyaa'aanii (Towering House People clan) and is originally from Tuba City and resides in Window Rock with his wife Christina.

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