Chehalis Tribe Chairman Don Secena has resigned, citing health reasons.
Secena was the chairman of the tribe for 2½ years. He was re-elected in November to a two-year term that would have been effective through the next tribal election in November 2018, according to a press release from the tribe.
Secena has been dealing with health issues for the past two years and he will now concentrate on his health while remaining an active member of the tribal community, according to the press release.
Jessie Goddard, the tribe’s vice chairman, will assume responsibilities as acting chairman until a replacement is appointed. There is no timeline for finding a replacement, but one will be chosen as soon as possible in accordance with the tribe’s constitution, according to the release.
Prior to being elected chairman, Secena was also the tribe’s vice chairman for eight years and served on the Oakville School Board for more than 10 years.
