Flagstaff, AZ, February 18, 2023 — Today, it was announced that Tony Skrelunas, co-founder and partner of Navajo Power, has been appointed by the new Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren to serve as Executive Director of the Division of Economic Development.
Navajo Power Founder and Executive Chairman Brett Isaac expressed his admiration for Skrelunas, stating, “Tony has been indispensable to Navajo Power over the years. His knowledge of local communities, renewable energy, economic development innovation, love for the Navajo culture and people, and business management acumen is second to none.”
Isaac also expressed excitement for Skrelunas and the Navajo Nation, despite his departure from Navajo Power. He believes that Skrelunas is going to do a tremendous job for the Navajo people in his new role. President Buu Nygren has previously praised Mr. Skrelunas for his “passion for solar,” as well as his strong commitment towards working for projects that benefit Navajo communities and expertise in community-based development.
Prior to co-founding Navajo Power, Tony served in leadership positions at Grand Canyon Trust and the Navajo Nation Economic Development and Government Development Divisions. He is recognized for his valuable contributions, including founding the Local Governance Act, securing federal delegation of business site leasing, and creating the local sales tax.
Navajo leaders have referred to Tony as the “godfather of the Local Governance Act” and a “Dine Economic Futurist.” Tony has also served as CEO of Tribe Awaken, a strategic consultancy for business innovation from small sheep and farming projects to high-level tribal business ventures.
In accepting his new appointment, Skrelunas expressed his honor and excitement in continuing to serve the Navajo people. He also emphasized the need for major innovation to fast track new development and revenues within the Navajo Nation, stating that the youth need to have hope for the future.
Skrelunas looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders like Navajo Power in his new role to help create good jobs through renewable energy, and ensure every home within the Navajo Nation has access to electricity.
Navajo Power is a majority Native-owned public benefit corporation (PBC) that develops utility-scale energy projects optimized for the cultural and economic empowerment of tribal nations. The company aims to foster collaborative processes and community engagement in developing projects that build strong relationships with communities, with a focus on shifting the paradigm of energy access to First Nations.
Navajo Power is comprised of mission-driven individuals committed to developing clean energy solutions that create positive economic change for Tribal Nations.
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