Brothers Marshall and Harold Pierite have caught the eye of national and state organizations.
Marshall Pierite has been named the Native American Finance Officers Association national 2022 Tribal Leader of the Year and Harold is one of the newest inductees to the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame Both are being honored for their outstanding work with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe.
The two are members of the Pierite family which has a long history of service to the Tunica. They are the sons of Herman and Celina Ford Pierite. The brothers were raised in Moreauville by their siblings Inez and Larry Sampson after their parents died when the boys were young.
MARSHALL PIERITE
The Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) has selected Tunica-Biloxi Chairman Marshall Pierite as the 2022 Tribal Leader of the Year of the nation.
This award recognizes tribal leaders for their outstanding work and dedication through foresight, resolve and considerable economic advancement of their tribe.
Chairman Pierite was nominated by Vice-Chairman Marshall Ray Sampson, Sr. and selected by NAFOA’s Board of Directors for his accomplishments. NAFOA recognizes that to effectively lead a nation, tribal leaders are tasked with the responsibility of making major financial decisions and commends Chairman Pierite for his dedication to Tunica-Biloxi citizens, particularly in his quick and responsible reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a leader, the most important role we can fill is that of servant. To serve others is our highest calling,” said Pierite. “I strive to instill this notion in all that I do for our citizens. It is for them that we continue on in the face of hardship, as our ancestors have done for decades, so that the Tribe of Many may continue to flourish.”
The NAFOA Leadership Awards honor the accomplishments of a tribal leader, tribal executive, and financial deals advancing tribal economies. Chairman Pierite responded locally and regionally, supporting his citizens in the aftermath of hurricanes and amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“2021 was one of the most challenging times for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. Throughout the pandemic and a rough tropical weather season, Chairman Pierite’s long-term vision and planning turned this past year into one of his most impressive and impactful as a Tribal leader,” said Tunica-Biloxi Vice Chairman Marshall Sampson, Sr. “Chairman Pierite’s leadership style and inclusive approach to solving complex problems, has opened many doors for the Tribe including increasing economic development initiatives and securing long-term community prosperity.”
Chairman Pierite received this award at the NAFOA’s 40th Annual Conference, a fitting 40 years after the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe was officially recognized by the Federal Government.
Due to Chairman Pierite’s leadership, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe has reached enormous financial success during his tenure, including the refinancing of Paragon Casino Resort’s debt and saving the Tribe nearly $141 million.
HAROLD PIERITE
Tunica-Biloxi Councilman and Tribal Chief of Police Harold Pierite, Sr., brother of Marshall, will be inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame. The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation, Louisiana State Penitentiary Warden Tim Hooper and Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary James M. Le Blanc, made the announcement on Friday (May 13).
During his law enforcement career, Harold has served with the Mansura Police Department and Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office. He is also credited with being one of the driving forces in the establishment and day-to-day operations of the Tunica-Biloxi Police Department.
According to representatives at the Justice Hall of Fame, Pierite was appointed to the Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District State Police Commission in 2017 and has served as a Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Councilman for over 15 years.
Originally published in Avoyelles Today