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The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has formed a tribal audit
committee with five voting and four non-voting members.
"Although audit committees are required for corporations,
there is no such mandate for municipal governments at present
time," said Principal Chief Michell Hicks, who called the
formation of the committee "an important and proactive step
for the Eastern Band."
Hicks said now was the time to take this step because he anticipates
the requirement of an audit committee at some point in the future.
"The size and scope of tribal government today demands ever-increasing
accountability and professionalism," Hicks said.
The primary function of the audit committee would be to assure
that the tribe’s auditing services are both professional
and independent, said EBCI operations director of budget and finance
Blake Stanbery.
"Additionally, the audit committee will review our system
of internal controls regarding finance, accounting, and legal
compliance to make sure that all proper business practices are
being followed," Stanbery said.
Carmaleta Monteith will chair the committee. An enrolled member
of the Eastern Band, she has a Ph.D. in American Studies and has
served 23 years as management/administrator in two large private
educational institutions.
Voting members are Bruce Roadruck, executive director of Vocational
Opportunities of Cherokee; Edwin Taylor, director of budget and
finance, Cherokee Indian Hospital; Frank Cooper, finance and audit
manager, Cherokee Boys Club; and Mark Bumgarner, principal owner,
Ray, Bumgarner, Kingshill and Association, CPA.
Non-voting members are Mitchell Crisp, CPA with Crisp, Hughes
and Evans; Cindy Holman, associate counsel, office of the Attorney
General, EBCI; Marcia Arch, administrator, office of internal
audit, EBCI; and Stanbery.
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