Native American Financial Services Association Announces New Executive Director

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) is pleased to announce Lance Gumbs as its new Executive Director. As Executive Director, Lance will direct the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of NAFSA, the leading trade association for tribally-owned e-commerce businesses.

"NAFSA is very fortunate to have Lance as its new Executive Director," said John Shotton, Chairman of the NAFSA Board of Directors and Chairman of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians. "Lance is a talented business leader who is bringing a proven record of experience to NAFSA, and who has a deep commitment to improving opportunity for all Native Americans."

Gumbs is a lifelong resident and enrolled tribal member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. He has served two terms as Tribal Chairman and is a nine-term Tribal Trustee. Prior to that he served seven terms as a Tribal Council Member and sat as the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee and as a member of the Federal Recognition Committee.

Gumbs is also a lifetime member and Regional Vice President of The National Congress of American Indians.

"I am honored to have been selected to lead NAFSA as it continues to advocate for Native American sovereign rights and serve the Native American e-commerce businesses which are so vital to the social welfare of tribes across the country," said Gumbs. "E-commerce represents the future for tribal economic development, and I look forward to leading NAFSA's efforts to protect and expand the opportunities these businesses create for all of Indian country."

Outgoing Executive Director Barry Brandon will remain with NAFSA as a Senior Advisor, and assist Lance with his transition into his new role and as the organization moves forward.

"Lance is a tremendously capable and experienced leader, and I will support him in every way I can," said Brandon. "As this industry continues to grow and creates exciting new opportunities for tribes across the country, it will be well served with Lance at the helm of NAFSA."

About NAFSA

The Native American Financial Services Association (NAFSA) formed in 2012 to advocate for Native American sovereign rights and enable tribes to offer responsible online lending products. Through the protection of consumer rights and sovereign immunity, NAFSA provides vital services to tribally operated lenders serving the under-banked with better short term financial services, furthering economic development opportunities in Indian Country.

SOURCE Native American Financial Services Association