Hilary Tompkins, a member of the Navajo Nation, will be nominated as Solicitor of the Interior Department, President Barack Obama said on Wednesday.

Tompkins is a prominent attorney from New Mexico. She served as deputy counsel and chief counsel to Gov. Bill Richardson, who nominated more Native Americans to state positions and supported more Indian legislation than any of his predecessors.

Tompkins also has served as general counsel for tribes and has worked for the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

In other Interior news, Obama plans to nominate Rhea Suh as assistant secretary for policy, management and budget. Suh is a former aide to retired Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado), a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana.

"At a time when our nation faces many challenges, it gives me confidence that these fine individuals have agreed to give their talents to serving the American people," Obama said yesterday. "They will be a valuable addition to my administration, and I look forward to working with them in the coming months."

Both positions require Senate confirmation.

White House Announcement:
President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts (March 25, 2009)

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