As director, Henry will oversee the TABCC’s daily operations and offer administration and strategic guidance in its mission to regulate the purchase, possession, consumption, sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages on Cherokee lands.

“The Tribal ABC Commission is pleased to bring Ms. Henry on board. This addition to the organization will strengthen our ability to move the Tribe forward in the area of alcohol regulation and enforcement,” said TABCC Chairman Pepper Taylor.

Henry brings 25 years of experience in Native American government and legal issues to her new position with the TABCC. Her past work experience includes six years on the Cherokee Tribal Council — two as chairwoman — and appointment as the tribe’s first Secretary of State. She founded the National Congress of American Indians Task Force on Violence Against Women and is one of the chairs of the North American to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Henry also has a background in small business and currently operates a nonprofit.

“This position looked like a great opportunity to do good work for the tribe,” Henry said. “I am focused on all aspects of the job and looking forward to working collaboratively with the Tribal Alcoholic Control Commission and staff.”

Henry was selected “from a field of several qualified applicants,” said TABCC manager Amanda Younce. She was hired following the posting of a job advertisement, an application period and an interview process.