FORT HALL, ID – After 26 years of service to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (the Tribes), Elese Teton has retired as Executive Director of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. Her last day working for the Tribes was Friday, June 14.
“I am deeply grateful to the employees, directors and managers who I have had the opportunity to work with to achieve numerous successes for the Tribes,” said Teton. “The position has been both challenging and rewarding and I am confident the Tribes will continue to prosper and accomplish notable success.”
Teton began her work with the Tribes in 1998 as the Tribal Water Engineer where she established the Tribes’ Water Resources Department. She was later selected by the Fort Hall Business Council as the Tribes’ Executive Director in 2019. As the Executive Director, some of her successes included efficiency streamlining, ensuring standard operating procedures were developed for departments, developing leadership trainings for directors and managers and implementing employee satisfaction surveys. She was also instrumental in the reorganization of the Tribes.
Employees have expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for Teton for her leadership and commitment to the organization. They praised her vision, integrity and dedication and her ability to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and respect.
“We truly are going to miss Elese, but we know that she is not going far and we are excited to see her future successes,” said Donna Thompson, Fort Hall Business Council Vice Chairwoman. “She has been a huge asset to our organization for many years and her work has left a legacy for others to follow.”
Tino Batt, Deputy Executive Director, will serve as the Interim Executive Director effective June 14, 2024 until the position is advertised and selected.