The Daily Times staff

FARMINGTON — Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye has appointed Pearline Kirk as the tribe's new controller.

Kirk is a certified public accountant and earned a juris doctor degree from Arizona State University, according to a press release from the president's office.

In a separate statement, Speaker LoRenzo Bates said the Navajo Nation Council looks forward to engaging with Kirk to start the vetting process before considering the confirmation of her appointment.

At the time of her appointment, she was a partner in the Los Angeles office of Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard and Smith LLP.

Her professional experience includes serving as in-house counsel for the Navajo Nation, advising its financial and tax departments as well as the Budget and Finance and Investment committees, according to her biography, which is posted on the law firm's website.

In addition, she served five years as director of finance and chief financial officer for the Colville Tribal Federal Corp. in Coulee Dam, Wash.

Begaye said in the release he is proud a member of the Navajo Nation is returning to work with the tribal government.

"We are fortunate to have Ms. Kirk come aboard as our controller. Her vast experience in Navajo Nation law, taxation and budget will greatly benefit our nation as we move forward," Begaye said.