Following the swearing in of newly-elected Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Council members and officers during a ceremony in Eagle Butte on Dec. 6, Bob Walters was selected over three other nominees to serve as vice-chairman under new Chairman Ryman LeBeau.
LeBeau, Treasurer Kevin Keckler, and Secretary Ev Ann White Feather took the oath of office with Walters and other council representatives Kenrick Dupris, Thad Rose, Kelsie Kay Haskell, Joe Brings Plenty, and Tuffy Thompson.
Walters and Derek Bartlett garnered three votes each on the first ballot for vice-chairman while John Kessler led with five and Bryce In The Woods received one vote. Walters topped Bartlett in a run-off before being elected over Kessler by a 7-5 final vote. Dean Dupris was elected Sergeant-at-Arms over applicants Carl Petersen and Fred Haskell, defeating Petersen 9-3 in the final vote.
Following the induction ceremony, Chairman LeBeau made staff appointments, including naming Bernita In The Woods to serve as Legislative Technician to the Tribal Council and Alli Moran as Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator in the chairman’s office. Mark Benoist will serve as the chairman’s Administrative Officer.