Catawba Nation swears in new chief and new leadership

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Leaders of the Catawba Nation, front row from left: Chief Brian Harris, Assistant Chief Patricia Leach, Secretary/Treasurer Rod Beck. Back row,, from left: At-Large Committee Members Connie Wade and Roo-George Warren. Photo courtesy Catawba Nation

Monday, August 14, 2023

Indianz.Com

The Catawba Nation has a new leader for the first time in more than a decade.

Brian Harris was sworn into office as chief of the South Carolina-based tribe on Saturday. He succeeds William “Bill” Harris, who had led the Catawba people since 2011.

“For me today is a start of a journey that has been long overdue,” the new chief said in a post on social media following the inauguration ceremony at the tribal Longhouse.

“We are going to do the right things, the right way, in a timely manner with results that our people can enjoy and be proud of,” said Harris.

Chief Harris defeated Jason Harris, the former assistant chief, for the tribe’s highest executive position. The election took place on July 29.

In addition to Brian Harris taking office, the tribe inaugurated Patricia Leach as assistant chief. She is the first woman to hold the leadership position.

Also sworn in on Saturday were Rod Beck as Secretary/Treasurer, along with Connie Wade and Roo George-Warren as at-large executive committee members.

The results are in for the newly elected Executive Committee of the Catawba Nation. The following results are…
Posted by Catawba Nation on Sunday, July 30, 2023

Catawba headquarters are in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The tribe also has trust lands in North Carolina, where a gaming facility is in operation.