Mashantucket — Two newly elected members of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council began three-year terms Tuesday following an inauguration ceremony in the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center.

Crystal Whipple and Merrill Reels were elected Nov. 6 in balloting among the tribe’s members.

The seven-member council governs the tribe and oversees its gaming enterprise, including Foxwoods Resort Casino. The other members are: Rodney Butler, chairman; Richard E. Sebastian, vice chairman; Jean Swift, treasurer; Roy Colebut-Ingram and Daniel Menihan Jr. 

Whipple began her third nonconsecutive term of office, previously having served on the council from 2010 to 2015, including two years as vice chairwoman. A Ledyard High School graduate, she holds an associate’s degree in business administration from the University of New Haven.

Her 25 years in tribal government include stints as chairwoman and vice chairwoman of the Tribal Business Advisory Board, which oversaw the tribe’s nongaming enterprises and commercial properties, and in positions with the Pequot Pharmaceutical Network and as staff support to the Tribal Council, tribal manager and chief of staff.

Whipple serves as vice chairwoman of the board of directors of Community Speaks Out, a southeastern Connecticut-based agency that advocates for education and assistance in fighting opioid addiction.

Reels, a nephew of Kenny Reels, a former tribal chairman, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Morehouse College in Atlanta. He is a graduate of Foxwoods’ Leadership Education and Advancement Program.

Prior to his election, Reels was employed as a table games dealer at Foxwoods. He also serves as a mentor for tribal youth.

Gary Carter Sr. and Marjorie Colebut-Jackson were sworn in as Elders Council chairman and vice chairwoman, respectively. Both formerly held the position of Tribal Council secretary.

— Brian Hallenbeck