The San Carlos Tribal Council recently approved administrative changes in the governance of the San Carlos Apache Tribe.

A “Letter to the citizens of the San Carlos Apache Tribe” from David Reede, tribal vice chairman, states that Terry Jones was recently hired as the tribe’s general manager.

Jones, who is not a member of tribe, said his role as general manager has a variety of duties, including oversight of tribal businesses and economic opportunities. “I’m in the process of reorganizing the office right now,” Jones said.

Reede praised Jones in his letter to the tribe.

“Mr. Jones has a wealth of experience and was hired to follow up on a wide array of business duties, such as the enforcement on lease returns to the tribe and to monitor or create new economic venues,” Reede wrote.

The vice chairman’s letter also states that the Tribal Council removed Tribal Treasurer Hugh Moses and appointed Terry Rambler, a councilor representing the Bylas District, as interim treasurer.

“In my professional and personal opinion, I am not supportive or confident of the Tribal Council’s fiscal management of this tribe,” Reede wrote.

Reede also wrote that Moses’ duties and job expectations were not clearly defined by the council.

“He was forced to follow the directives of the Tribal Council, which is known to change as frequently as the wind blows,” Reede said in his letter.

He also wrote that a councilor appointed to serve as interim treasurer has a conflict of interest.

“A conflict of interest exists even if no unethical or improper act results from it,” Reede wrote.

Reede has not returned phone calls placed by the Courier.

When contacted by the Courier, Rambler asked to be contacted by e-mail; however, an e-mail message from the Courier was returned as undeliverable.