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Francis Somday has been named the new executive director for the Colville Tribes, Colville Business Council Chairman John Sirois announced Friday.

“We are very excited to have Francis home, working for the Tribe, and leading the organization in the direction of expanded success and prosperity,” Sirois said. “His vision and work ethic will help set the tone as we move forward together as a Tribe. We have every confidence that our challenges and successes are in very good hands with Mr. Somday.”

The Colville member has previously worked for the tribes as the executive director. In addition, during the 1970s through the late 1990s, Somday also served the tribes in various other capacities, including as general manager and acting CEO of the tribes’ business venture, the Colville Tribal Enterprise Corporation (CTEC). More recently, he has worked as a tribal administrator for two Oregon tribes, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.

“I am excited to join the tribal management team and work for the common good of the membership under the direction of the Tribal Council” Somday said. “I am impressed with the new and innovative initiatives brought forth by staff, Tribal Council, and the membership.”