TAHLEQUAH, OK – Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. announced several leadership changes as he enters the final eight months of his second term.
“Term limits mean my time as Principal Chief comes to an end next August,” said Chief Hoskin. “But, the Hoskin/Warner Administration has only one speed and that is full speed. We need all hands on deck. These leadership moves help position us to finish strong on behalf of the Cherokee people.”
Camerin Fite-James was promoted in June to Senior Advisor on Public Engagement and Policy, reporting directly to Chief Hoskin. Fite-James joined Cherokee Nation in 2021 as a special projects officer and became Chief Hoskin’s assistant in 2022. In his new role, he continues providing executive assistance while helping develop policy initiatives and partnerships with external stakeholders.
“Camerin Fite-James is a talented young leader who has helped navigate the Hoskin/Warner Administration through challenging times and to many successes,” said Chief Hoskin. “He will help us finish our second term strong.”
Dawnena “Dawni” Squirrel has been named Senior Advisor for Cultural Wellness and Outreach and returned as a full-time member of the administration staff Oct. 1. Squirrel began her Cherokee Nation career in 2011, providing community and cultural leadership during the Chief Bill John Baker Administration, and continued in a similar role under the Hoskin/Warner Administration before becoming a contract consultant in 2022.
“Dawni is a trusted advisor and a person with not only deep Cherokee cultural knowledge, but deep knowledge in community organizing and Cherokee Nation governmental operations,” said Chief Hoskin. “I am very happy she is returning to full-time status where she will continue her impactful career, engaging Cherokees here at home and at-large.”
Austin Patton was elevated to Assistant Chief of Staff effective Oct. 1. Patton joined Cherokee Nation in 2018 and has held positions in Career Services, Commerce Services and the Hoskin/Warner Administration. He served as Tourism Manager, directing the Cherokee National Holidays from 2020-2023, and has served as assistant to Chief of Staff Corey Bunch since 2022.
“Austin Patton’s elevation to Assistant Chief of Staff reflects two things,” said Chief Hoskin. “First, it reflects that our administration team has grown over the years as the depth and breadth of Cherokee Nation’s government has grown. Second, it reflects that Austin provides indispensable guidance and support to both the Chief of Staff and the entire administration, particularly when it comes to analyzing data and assisting with the implementation of initiatives.”
Jon Asbill will retain his position as Senior Director of Construction while taking on additional duties as Senior Advisor for Capital Planning. Projects overseen by Asbill include the new Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital, Cherokee Nation Immersion Middle School and Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park.
“Jon Asbill oversaw the execution of billions of dollars in capital construction during his time on our team,” said Chief Hoskin. “Jon is trusted when it comes to projects big and small and as a professional who brings clarity and careful planning to the complex world of construction.”
Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner will conclude their second consecutive terms Aug. 14, 2027, and are ineligible to seek reelection to their respective offices under the Cherokee Nation Constitution’s two-consecutive-term limit.