Matthew Wesaw, the chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in Michigan, will receive the Tribal Leader of the Year Award from the Native American Financial Officers Association.

“Out of more than 550 tribes in the United States, Pokagon Band caught the attention of experts for its solid finances and enterprise expansion plans,” said John Warren, the tribe's treasurer. “Bankers have told us that some countries should take note on how we manage financial resources.”

Wesaw, a retired Michigan state trooper, served as vice-chairman of the tribe before being elected chairman in 2009. He also sits on the Michigan Community Service Commission and the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, where he serves as chairman. He was past chair of the Michigan Commission on Indian Affairs.

“It is such a privilege to honor and recognize the excellent work Chairman Wesaw is doing to benefit Indian Country,” said Bill Lomax, NAFOA president. “He is truly an innovator and an inspiration.”

Wesaw will accept the award March 21 at the NAFOA conference in New Orleans.