Longtime chief of Mohegan Tribe Malerba to be named U.S. Treasurer
The Biden administration has tapped Lynn Malerba, lifetime chief of the Mohegan Tribe, to be U.S. Treasurer — the first Native American to serve in the role.
Malerba, who became the first female chief in Mohegan's modern history when appointed by tribal elders in 2010, will lead a new department at the Treasury focused on tribal relations, according to a press release issued Tuesday by the administration. In her role, she will also oversee the U.S. Mint, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Fort Knox, and serve as a key liaison to the Federal Reserve.
As Treasurer, her signature will soon be seen on the front of U.S. currency — the first Tribal leader and first Native woman to sign the nation's currency.
“I am honored and humbled by Secretary Yellen and the Biden Administration's commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard by Treasury as we work together to create an equitable and just society,” Malerba said in a written statement. “It is especially important that our Native voices are respected.”
Malerba previously served as chairwoman of Mohegan's tribal council and as executive director of health and human Services. She was director of cardiology and pulmonary services at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital prior to her work with the tribe.
She lives in Niantic with her husband Paul, with whom she has two daughters.
This makes the need for representation at the federal level all the more important, says Carl Tobias, a law professor at University of Richmond who specializes in federal appointments.
With Malerba at Treasury, the agency “can work with individual indigenous tribes to work on economic issues which are critical to Native people," he said.
He added that “I think it's true in certain western states that Native Americans are an important voting group.”
There are about 9.7 million people in the U.S. who identify as American Indian and Alaska Native, according to the Census Bureau. And while roughly eight million Native Americans are eligible to cast a ballot, Census surveys estimate that large portions of the population are not registered to vote.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., called the appointment a “well-deserved recognition.”
“She's a great public servant, wise leader and treasured friend,” he said.
James Gessner Jr., chairman of the Mohegan Tribe, called the appointment “an honor for her and for our tribe.
“Lynn has been a trailblazer in the Mohegan community as the first female Chief in our modern history...The Nation will be stronger with her serving in the administration,” he said.
A March 2022 White House report on Native American Voting Rights states that “Native voters are less attached to political parties and are more concerned with what candidates can do to support Native communities.”
Biden, a Democrat, has taken several steps to demonstrate his commitment to tribal nations, including naming Deb Haaland as the first Native American to lead the Interior Department. Biden also has appointed at least three Native American judges — Lauren J. King, Sunshine Suzanne Sykes and Lydia Griggsby — to the federal court system.
Biden issued the first presidential proclamation of Indigenous Peoples' Day, with the intent of refocusing the federal holiday previously dedicated to explorer Christopher Columbus toward an appreciation of Native people.
An Associated Press report was used in this story.