MASHANTUCKET — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation elected Secretary Matthew Pearson and Scott Reels Jr. to three-year Tribal Council terms and selected Michele Scott as its next vice chairperson following the November 1 election, the tribe announced.
The new council terms begin on the tribe’s Inauguration Day, Monday, January 4, 2027. Voting took place in person at the Tribal Community Center, followed by the tribe’s annual meeting online.
Pearson won reelection, while Reels will join the seven-member governing council. Scott is already a councilor. The Day reported that her council seat was not up for election and that incumbent Vice Chairwoman Latoya Cluff lost her bid for another council term.
More than 300 tribal members voted, with five candidates seeking two council seats, The Day reported, citing a tribal spokesperson.
The council governs the Tribal Nation and oversees enterprises including Foxwoods Resort Casino, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, Pequot Health Care and the Spa at Norwich Inn, according to the tribe.
Chairman Rodney Butler congratulated the elected leaders and thanked Cluff for her service. Other continuing council members named in the announcement are Treasurer Merrill “Marvin” Reels and Councilors Daniel Menihan and Rahiem Eleazer.