The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) has announced changes to the elected governing body of the Tribe.
The Tribal Council is bidding a warm farewell to Ed Pigeon, who has served as vice chairman for the last 12 years and was first elected as a council member 21 years ago.
The Tribal Council at the same time welcomed new member, Ben Brenner, who served as senior director of operations for the last three years.
Phyllis Davis, Jeff Martin and Jodie Palmer are all incumbent Tribal Council members who recently won four-year terms. Palmer was chosen by the Tribal Council to serve as vice chairwoman.
“I want to recognize and thank Ed Pigeon for his many years of service and dedication to the Tribe,” said Bob Peters, chairman. “I welcome Ben and congratulate him, Jeff, Phyllis and Jodie for winning terms on the Tribal Council. We are excited to embark on a new era of leadership that will take our Tribe to new heights.”
During his 21 years on the Tribal Council, Pigeon left a lasting mark through his contributions to many advancements made by the Tribe. He was involved in developments related to gaming, land acquisition, cultural and language programs, and environmental stewardship efforts.
Brenner is a local community leader who serves on the Hopkins Board of Education. He has a degree from Ferris State University and is currently pursuing a law degree at Western Michigan University.
Davis, Martin and Palmer are all veteran Tribal Council members. They again join Chairman Peters, Nicole Overbeck and Tomie Williamson as council members. Each havs been instrumental in overseeing many recent achievements which includes the conclusion of the casino management contract, successfully defending the casino in a federal lawsuit before the United States Supreme Court, and a current expansion of the casino that is slated to open next year.
Brenner, Davis, Martin, and Palmer accepted the oath of office in a swearing in ceremony Thursday, Sept. 10. The tribal election was held Aug. 25. Davis and Palmer were elected as representatives of the At-Large District, while Brenner and Martin were elected to represent the Salem District. Each were elected to four-year terms of office.
The Tribal Council consists of the following members: Bob Peters, chairman; Jodie Palmer, vice chair; Tomie Williamson, treasurer; Jeff Martin, secretary; Phyllis Davis, Nicole Overbeck and Ben Brenner.
