Ann Marie Downes. Photo from Arizona State University

Ann Marie Downes, a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, is the new deputy assistant secretary for policy and economic development at the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Downes will oversee the Office of Self-Governance, the Office of Indian Gaming and the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development at the agency. She comes to the Obama administration from the Indian Legal Program at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where she served as executive director.

"It's an active and thriving office," Downes said in a press release. "I see so much progress and positive steps being taken for Indian Country under this administration, and I look forward to continuing that work."

Downes will be working in Washington, D.C.