Butler honored by Native American financial group
Mashantucket — Rodney Butler, chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council, has been named Tribal Leader of the Year by the Native American Finance Officers’ Association.
The award, announced Tuesday at the organization's 35th annual conference in San Francisco, recognizes a tribal leader for demonstrating foresight and resolve in pursuing economic advancement and financial stability for his or her tribe.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be the recipient of this year’s award,” Butler said in a statement. “As chairman, this leadership journey has been as wonderful as it has been challenging, and I’ve been honored to have experienced it all while working alongside of some of the most extraordinary people I’ve ever known — Pequots who are passionate about caring for our community and unifying our people while honoring our shared history, family heritage, and culture.”
Butler has served on the tribal council since January 2004. He was appointed council treasurer in 2005, and became chairman in 2010.
During his tenure, the tribe has faced challenges associated with economic recession, increased gaming competition, a debt-restructuring and long-term planning for economic diversification.
Butler serves as a board member and co-founder of MMCT Venture, the Mashantucket-Mohegan partnership pursuing a third Connecticut casino in an effort to stave off out-of-state competition. He is the founding trustee of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe Endowment Trust, co-chairman of the board of directors of the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and serves on the boards of trustees of Roger Williams University, Mystic Aquarium and the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.
Established in 1982, the nonprofit Native American Finance Officers Association seeks to provide leadership for the advancement of American Indian and Alaska Native communities. It promotes excellence in financial management by advocating sound economic and fiscal policy, developing innovative education initiatives and providing resources and support.
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