Navajo Nation confirms new head of tribe’s EPA

GALLUP — The Navajo Nation Council confirmed Valinda Shirley to lead the tribe’s Environmental Protection Agency.

Shirley was appointed by tribal President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer in January after the resignation of Oliver Whaley, who left in December.

The tribal council approved Shirley as the agency’s executive director on Feb. 12.

“I look forward to working with the Office of the President and Vice President, the council and our communities to address environmental issues,” she said in a press release from the president’s office.

The Nez-Lizer administration announced the appointment of Tom Platero to head the Division of General Services.