Chumash chairman wins tribal leader award at NAFOA
Vincent Armenta, the chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in California, was named Tribal Leader of the Year by the Native American Finance Officers Association.

Armenta was selected for showing foresight and resolve in the financial advancement of his tribe. He received the award at NAFOA's conference in New Orleans yesterday.

"Chairman Armenta exemplifies the type of leader NAFOA recognizes," William Lomax, board president of NAFOA, said in a press release. "Under his direction, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has gone from relative obscurity to being one of the most successful tribes in California."

The tribe's main enterprise is a casino. But the tribe also operates a hotel, restaurant and two gas stations.

"I am privileged to serve on our tribe's leadership team along with a group of dedicated, talented and dynamic leaders," said Armenta. "We have worked diligently to bring both financial and cultural success to our tribe."

Armenta has served as chairman since 1999.