The Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs has a new director.

Chris Deschene, a member of the Navajo Nation, will serve in the post. He's best known as the presidential candidate who was ordered off the ballot for not being fluent in the Navajo language.

"Chris brings to the department leadership team more than 20 years of management and policy experience, along with extensive tribal relationships and deep expertise in business and energy development, natural resources and environmental policies, federal Indian law and government affairs," Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said in a message to department employees, The Farmington Daily Times reported.

Deschene succeeds Tracey LeBeau, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, as director of the office. She stepped down in September after three years and now works at Western Area Power Administration.

Get the Story:
Press Release: Christopher Clark Deschene Announced as DOE Office of Indian Energy Director (Energy.Gov 5/19)
Former Navajo Nation presidential candidate Chris Deschene named to U.S. Department of Energy post (The Farmington Daily Times 5/19)