First Native American to be appointed US Treasurer
The first Native American is expected to be appointed U.S. Treasurer, making history.
The White House announced Tuesday in a news release that President Biden is appointing Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba as treasurer of the United States. Malerba will be the first Native American to hold the position. She is also the chief of the Mohegan Tribe, which the White House said is a lifetime appointment made by the Tribe’s Council of Elders.
“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,” said Chief Lynn Malerba in a news release from the Treasury. “It is especially important that our Native voices are respected. This appointment underscores this Administration’s commitment to doing just that. I am excited to serve our communities as Treasurer and for the work ahead.”
The Associated Press said the intent of appointing Malerba is to have the U.S. treasurer oversee the Office of Tribal and Native Affairs at the Treasury Department that the Biden Administration is working to establish.
The duties of the treasurer will include overseeing the U.S. Mint, being a liaison with the Federal Reserve and overseeing the Treasury’s Office of Consumer Policy, according to the AP. The treasurer’s signature will also appear on U.S. currency, making Malerba to become the first Native American woman’s name on U.S. currency.
“I am deeply honored that Chief Malerba will serve as the nation’s Treasurer and spearhead the department’s new Office of Tribal and Native Affairs. This is an historic appointment,” said Secretary Yellen in a news release. “Her leadership and experience will deepen our commitment to help expand economic opportunities for all Tribal communities.”
