Indian Trust Official, Ray Joseph, Exits Interior

After raising concerns about the U.S. Department of the Interior’s management of trust funds, a high-ranking official focused on Indian affairs at the U.S. Department of Interior exited his position in December, Indian Country Today Media Network has learned. Questions have also been raised internally about his leadership. The official, Ray Joseph, had served as Principal Deputy Special Trustee at the department’s Office of the Special Trustee (OST) for American Indians since January 2011. In that position, he was responsible for overseeing the financial management of Indian funds held in trust by the federal government. “Principal Deputy Special Trustee Ray Joseph has decided to pursue other opportunities outside of the Department,” said Adam Fetcher, press secretary for the department. “Ms. Michele Singer will serve as acting Principal Deputy Special Trustee.” Singer has worked in the department for more than 10 years in various capacities, including in the Solicitor’s Office and the Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs, as well as the Office of the Special Trustee. Fetcher would not say whether Joseph was encouraged to move on due to management-related issues. ICTMN has been unable to reach Joseph for this report. A public memorandum issued December 8, 2011 by Interior’s Office of the Inspector General to David Hayes, deputy secretary of the department, offers insight on management concerns raised by Joseph before his exit...more