Tony Skrelunas, Executive Director for the Division of Development, Navajo Nation

In 2023, Tony Skrelunas was appointed by the Navajo Nation President, Buu Nygren, to serve as Executive Director of the Division of Economic Development. Previously, Tony served as Director at Grand Canyon Trust for 14 years and Director of the Navajo Nation Economic Development and Government Development Divisions for 7 years. He is noted for founding the Local Governance Act, alternative forms of governance, securing federal delegation of business site leasing, and creating the local sales tax.

Tony also serves as CEO of Tribe Awaken, founder/partner in Navajo Power PBC, Vice President at Navajo Shopping Centers Inc, Trustee at Prescott College, and Awakening Wholeness. He advises tribal energy/retail/tourism efforts. He loves to provide success coaching on using cultural values to succeed.

Navajo leaders have referred to Tony as the "godfather of the Local Governance Act" and a "Dine Economic Futurist". He was raised by his great grandparents on Black Mesa. He holds MBA and Bachelors degrees in business from Northern Arizona University. He is a former Director of the Navajo Nation Economic Development and Government Development Divisions noted for founding the Local Governance Act, alternative forms of governance, and securing federal delegation of business site leasing.

He lectures and writes about improving retail, tribal health, retaining traditional knowledge systems, and management using traditional tools.