A new Assistant Area Director for Administration in the BIA's Portland Area has been appointed by Commissioner of Indian Affairs Morris Thompson. He is William V. Battese, who has been serving as Acting Deputy Area Director in the Anadarko, Oklahoma Area. The Portland Area includes three states: Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
"Bill is an Indian himself --a member of the Potawatomi Tribe and he has more than 25 years experience working in Indian programs. He will be a valuable addition to the Portland staff," said Commissioner Thompson.
Battese came to the Anadarko Area Office as Administrative Officer in 1970. Prior to that he had held administrative posts at the Pine Ridge, Papago and San Carlos agencies. He was employed by the Navajo Tribe from 1958 to 1963 and for eleven years was an auditor and inspector in private business.
Battese is a member of the American Institute of Internal Auditors. He is a veteran and a graduate of the Haskell Institute, Lawrence, Kansas. He succeeds Francis Briscoe who is now the Portland Area Director.
