The Quapaw Nation Business Committee announced Friday its chairman, Joseph T. Byrd has resigned.
According to the Quapaw Nation website, Byrd resigned during a monthly business committee meeting.
No reason for the resignation was given on the website which went on to say, “We will continue to strengthen the Quapaw Nation through care of one another and responsible leadership as our Nation transitions to the next chapter.
A special election will be held July 15 to fill out the remainder of Byrd’s term and the person elected will serve until the board’s regular election on July 23, 2024.
Former chairman John Berrey announced Sunday on social media he will run agian for the Chairmanship.
Byrd was elected to serve as Business Committee Chair in 2000 and reelected in 2022 and prior to being elected chairman, served as a compliance manager overseeing daily compliance of all Cherokee Nation gaming properties including Downstream Casino and Saracen Casino and Resort.
According to the website, Byrd filed for Cherokee Nation Tribal Council District 3 and said if he won that seat, he would resign his position with the Quapaw Nation. His father, Joe Byrd, is the former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief.
Byrd replaced former chairman Berrey who is under investigation for allegedly embezzling $7 million from the tribe. Berrey faces 11 criminal charges, and another Quapaw leader Tamara Smiley-Reeves faces 7 charges in the Quapaw Nation.
Byrd is a descendant of Chief Victor Griffin, the last chief of the Quapaw, according to his bio on the tribe’s website.
