Malerba introduced as Mohegan Tribe's 17th chief

Mohegan — Flanked by tribal leaders and with Mohegan Sun executives looking on, Lynn Malerba, the tribal council chairwoman, was introduced as the tribe's 17th chief this morning at a press conference in Mohegan Church.

Malerba will be installed as chief — a lifetime appointment — during homecoming ceremonies Aug. 15 at Fort Shantok, the tribe's ancestral lands in

Uncasville. She will continue to serve as council chairwoman until then.

"With humility and great happiness I accept this appointment," the 56-year-old Malerba said. "It's a great responsibility and a great honor."

Malerba was introduced by Robert Soper Sr., chairman of the tribe's Council of Elders, which chose Malerba after considering a number of candidates for the largely ceremonial position, which has been vacant since the 2007 death of Ralph Sturges.

Soper cited Malerba's "exceptional character, diplomacy and leadership and her devotion to the tribe."

Malerba was elected to the tribal council in 2005 and was re-elected last year. In October, the council elected her chairwoman, the first female to hold the post in the tribe's history.

A woman briefly served as Mohegan chief in 1723.

As chief, Malerba's Mohegan name will be Mutawi Mutahash, which translates as "Many Hearts."