Mashantucket — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council has appointed a former councilor, Antonio “Tony” Beltran, as its new chief of staff, a key position once held by an aide to former Gov. Lowell Weicker.

The council informed tribal members of Beltran’s appointment earlier this week, announcing that he had been chosen following a three-month search. In a press release Wednesday, the tribe said “many fine candidates” had been considered during the selection process.

The Mashantuckets own Foxwoods Resort Casino, including MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

Beltran will have direct oversight of tribal police, fire and emergency services, public affairs, utilities, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, nongaming regulatory affairs, public works and tribal member services.

“Tony has proven himself as a leader and someone who is dedicated to working to make Mashantucket a great place to live, work and visit,” council Chairman Rodney Butler said in the release.

Beltran has been executive assistant to council Vice Chairwoman Fatima Dames. He served one term on the council from 1997 to 2000, losing a bid for re-election, and has served as the tribe’s director of public works and as an assistant to then-Vice Chairman Kenny Reels.

Beltran ran again for the council in 2009.

“It is an honor to serve my nation, and I look forward to continuing to work for the betterment of our community,” he said in the release announcing his appointment.

The tribe’s first chief of staff, A. Searle Field, held the position in the mid- to late 1990s after serving as an aide to Weicker. He later served as the tribe’s chief of strategic planning and enterprise management.

In a job posting for chief of staff, the tribe listed qualifications that included “at least 10 years progressive responsibilities in professional organizations, with a minimum of five years in a supervisory or professional position in tribal government.” Both requirements could be waived at the council’s discretion “if a candidate’s total experience and/or education warrant,” according to the posting.

b.hallenbeck@theday.com