News Briefs

Camel appointed general manager of MVP

Zachary Conko Camel was recently appointed the new general manager of Mission Valley Power.

According to a CSKT press release, Camel has 29 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, compliance and finance expertise. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing MVP’s operations and will work closely with the Tribal Council, MVP Utility Board, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Consumer Council.

“We are excited to welcome Zachary Conko Camel to our team,” said CSKT Tribal Chairman Tom McDonald. “His extensive career in the finance department, along with his commitment, make him the ideal candidate to lead Mission Valley Power. We are confident that Zachary will shepherd MVP to a new level of excellence.”

As a team leader, Camel is a big believer in collaboration and says he enjoys working under pressure to accomplish difficult tasks – skills he has fine-tuned during his career working with CSKT’s tribal government.

“I am honored to have been chosen as the new general manager of MVP," he said. “I will do everything in my power to cultivate a culture of engagement, openness, inclusion, and sound business decisions.”

Camel graduated from the University of Montana in 1993 with a bachelor’s in business management. He will transition to his new role in early August.

Mission Valley Power (MVP) is a federally owned electric utility, operated and maintained by the CSKT.

Outdoor debris burning now prohibited

Fire officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire, have restricted outdoor burning starting July 1.

According to Fire prevention specialist CT Camel, “people who burned this spring should go check on their piles to make sure they are fully extinguished.” Although fire danger is moderate, “we urge people to be careful with campfires and check for restrictions before recreating in the outdoors.”

Wildfire season is just around the corner, he added.

Open debris burning will resume after fire season, usually Oct. 1. For more information, call the Division of Fire, 406-676-2550.