Charles M. “Monty” Roessel. Photo from Bureau of Indian Affairs

The Bureau of Indian Education. finally has a new leader.

Charles M. “Monty” Roessel, a member of the Navajo Nation, was announced as the director today. He had been serving in an acting basis since February 2013.

“The BIE plays a major role in the education of thousands of American Indian students across Indian Country,” Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, said in a press release. “

"As acting director, Dr. Charles M. Roessel has proven to be an effective steward of our Indian education programs, bringing to the Bureau extensive experience in school leadership and administration, and an understanding of what’s needed at the local school level," Washburn added. "He is a strong and effective member of my senior management team.”

The director position had been vacant since June 2012.

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