TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr, announced today several leadership changes as he enters the final eight months of his second term of office.
“Term limits mean my time as Principal Chief comes to an end next August,” said Chief Hoskin. “But, the Hoskin/Warner Administration has only one speed and that is full speed. We need all hands on deck. These leadership moves help position us to finish strong on behalf of the Cherokee people.”
Camerin Fite-James, Senior Advisor on Public Engagement and Policy
Camerin Fite-James was promoted in June to Senior Advisor on Public Engagement and Policy, reporting directly to Chief Hoskin.
Fite-James began his career at Cherokee Nation in 2021 as a special projects officer in administration before becoming Chief Hoskin’s assistant in 2022.
In his new role, Fite-James continues providing day to day executive assistance to Chief Hoskin, but plays a key role in the development of policy initiatives and partnerships with external stakeholders.
“Camerin Fite-James is a talented young leader who has helped navigate the Hoskin/Warner Administration through challenging times and to many successes,” said Chief Hoskin. “He will help us finish our second term strong.”
Fite-James also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Trail of Tears Association, served on the tribe’s Task Force on Principal Chief’s Records and serves on recently empaneled task forces to reform the Cherokee Nation Foundation and to develop a strategic land use plan for Cherokee Nation’s capital complex.
Fite-James, of Tahlequah, has a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications and a masters degree in public relations from Northeastern State University.
“I believe in the vision of the Hoskin/Warner Administration, and I believe in giving public service to the Cherokee people my absolute best effort each day,” said Fite-James.
Dawnena “Dawni” Squirrel, Senior Advisor for Cultural Wellness and Outreach
Dawni Squirrel’s career with Cherokee Nation began in 2011 providing community and cultural leadership in the Chief Bill John Baker Administration. Squirrel has played a similar role under the Hoskin/Warner Administration, leaving full-time employment and becoming a contract consultant in 2022. Squirrel returned as a full-time member of Administration staff on October 1.
“Dawni is a trusted advisor and a person with not only deep Cherokee cultural knowledge, but deep knowledge in community organizing and Cherokee Nation governmental operations,” said Chief Hoskin. “I am very happy she is returning to full-time status where she will continue her impactful career, engaging Cherokees here at home and at-large.”
Squirrel has served on numerous advisor bodies in the Hoskin/Warner Administration, including the Freedmen Art and History Committee and the Principal Chief’s Task Force on Wellness Centers.
Squirrel, of Kenwood, has a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University and will complete her Master’s in Fine Arts in Cultural Administration from the Institute of American Indian Art by the end of 2026.
“I am proud to continue serving the Cherokee people and helping Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner and their mission to help revitalize Cherokee culture both here on the reservation and at-large,” said Squirrel.
Austin Patton, Assistant Chief of Staff
Austin Patton has been elevated to Assistant Chief of Staff as of October 1.
Patton’s career with Cherokee Nation began in December 2018 as a Special Projects Officer in Career Services. As Tourism Manager in Commerce Services, he directed the Cherokee National Holidays from 2020-2023, before joining the Hoskin/Warner Administration as a Special Projects Analyst. Patton has served as assistant to Chief of Staff Corey Bunch since 2022.
“Austin Patton’s elevation to Assistant Chief of Staff reflects two things,” said Chief Hoskin. “First, it reflects that our administration team has grown over the years as the depth and breadth of Cherokee Nation’s government has grown. Second, it reflects that Austin provides indispensable guidance and support to both the Chief of Staff and the entire administration, particularly when it comes to analyzing data and assisting with the implementation of initiatives.”
Patton, of Tahlequah, has a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve the Cherokee people and to help guide the Hoskin/Warner Administration as the tribe experiences substantial growth and sets its sights on new milestones in government services,” said Patton.
Senior Advisor for Capital Planning Jon Asbill
Jon Asbill retains the title of Senior Director of Construction, but takes on added duties as Senior Advisor for Capital Planning for the Hoskin/Warner Administration.
“Jon Asbill oversaw the execution of billions of dollars in capital construction during his time on our team,” said Chief Hoskin. “Jon is trusted when it comes to projects big and small and as a professional who brings clarity and careful planning to the complex world of construction.”
Recent projects overseen by Asbill include the new Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital, Cherokee Nation Immersion Middle School and Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park.
Asbill has a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Oklahoma State University.
Chief Hoskin presented Asbill with the Samuel Worcester Award at the 2026 Cherokee National Holiday and recently named him as co-chair of the Task Force on Cherokee Nation Capitol Complex District Planning.
“Construction planning and managing is a wonderful and challenging profession no matter where I have worked in my career,” said Asbill. “But, working in this profession in service of the Cherokee Nation is incredibly rewarding because this work is personal to me and my family and I am proud to see projects I work on impact people’s lives so positively.”
Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner conclude their second consecutive term of office on August 14, 2027, and are ineligible to run for reelection to the reparative offices due to the tribe’s constitutional two consecutive term limits.