(March 31, 2023) — Today Arlando Teller was sworn in as the U.S. Department of Transportation’s first Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs. Since the enactment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (“BIL”) many programs and positions were created to address many of the critical infrastructure needs across the country including the needs within Indian Country. In doing so, the bill allowed for the creation of an Office of Tribal Government Affairs intended to be led by an Assistant Secretary of Tribal Government Affairs to elevate tribal voices, concerns and recommendations.
Being the first Native American to graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Mr. Teller entered the aviation profession. He advanced in his career as an airport planner for the City of Phoenix’s Aviation Department and then as the Aviation Management Intern at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport after serving as an intern with the City of Mesa and Falcon Field Airport. Teller next relocated to Walnut Creek, California, where he worked for the California Department of Transportation as a transportation planner and tribal liaison on multimodal transportation projects. When Teller returned to the Navajo Nation in 2009, he worked as a senior transportation planner for the division of transportation before being elevated to the positions of program manager and deputy division director. In November 2018, he won a seat in the Arizona House of Representatives as the District 7 State Representative. He was a member of the Land & Agriculture and Transportation committees. In addition, he represented the Arizona Aerospace Association as Co-Chair, served as Vice Chair for the Indigenous Peoples Caucus, and was a member of the Aviation/Aerospace Caucus. Teller held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs starting on February 1, 2021, prior to his appointment today.
Teller is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and a proud graduate of Chinle High School. His clans are Naashtézhi Táchii’ni (Zuni People Adopted into Red Streaked-Forehead), born for Tóaheedlíini (Waters Flow Together). His maternal grandfather is Tódichií’nii (Bitterwater) and his paternal grandfather is Ashihi (Salt People).
Congratulations Assistant Secretary Teller!