President Barack Obama has nominated Mary L. Smith, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, to a top Department of Justice post.

Smith, a prominent attorney, is being tapped as assistant attorney general for the tax division at DOJ. If confirmed by the Senate, she would be the first Native woman to serve in the post.

Smith previously worked at the White House during the Clinton administration. She was the Native American adviser for the John Kerry presidential campaign in 2004.

Smith served on Obama's transition team. She is the fourth Native woman to be named to a post in the president's new administration.

White House Press Release:
President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts (April 8, 2009)