Karen Diver. Photo from University of Minnesota

Karen Diver is resigning as chair of the Fond du Lac Band of Minnesota and joining the White House.

Diver announced her decision in a letter to tribal members on Monday. She will serve as Special Assistant to the President for Native American Affairs for President Barack Obama.

"I am excited by the opportunity to have a wider impact in Indian Country under President Obama's Administration, which has shown unprecedented support for Indian Country," Diver said.

Diver follows in the footsteps of two prominent Indian women who also served in the post, the first of its kind at the White House. Kim Teehee, a member of the Cherokee Nation, was the first person too hold the job and was succeeded by Jodi Gillette, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Diver will start her job on November 16.

Get the Story:
Diver resigning as Fond du Lac chairwoman to take White House post (The Duluth News Tribune 11/3)
Fond du Lac chairwoman Karen Diver to take White House job (NNCNOW.Com 11/2)
Fond du Lac's Karen Diver Takes White House Job (WDIO 11/2)
Minnesota Fond du Lac leader takes White House job (Minnesota Public Radio 11/2)

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Jodi Gillette exits White House and joins Indian law firm in DC (05/14)