U.S. Congressman Dan Boren announced Tuesday he will be taking a position as president of corporate development with the Chickasaw Nation after serving the remainder of his term in Congress. Boren’s primary focus in his new job will entail growing the tribe’s current business initiatives and developing future commercial opportunities as well.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the people of eastern Oklahoma in the U.S. House of Representatives the past eight years. Andrea and I are excited about this new opportunity and look forward to helping build a stronger economic future for the Chickasaw Nation,” said Boren, in a news release. “During my time in Congress, my two highest priorities were promoting job creation through sound business policy and being a trusted advocate for Indian Country. I would like to thank Governor Bill Anoatubby for giving me the opportunity to continue working on these endeavors. The governor has been a transformational leader of the Chickasaw Nation, and that leadership has meant a better future for Oklahoma.”

“We are pleased to have someone of Dan’s caliber join the team within the Commerce Division of the Chickasaw Nation,” said Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. “We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Congressman Boren for many years. As a champion for small business during his tenure in Congress, Dan established a wide range of relationships in the public and private sectors in Oklahoma and all over the world. This, plus his diligence, sincerity and work ethic will be a great advantage to us as we continue to expand and diversify our portfolio of commercial ventures within Oklahoma and beyond our state’s borders.”

Congressman Boren will serve the remaining balance of his term before beginning his new position. Boren has submitted a letter to Congressman Edward Markey, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, resigning his appointment as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs. He also filed his notice of recusal with the House Ethics Committee that acknowledges his recusal from congressional votes that would have an impact on the Chickasaw Nation.

“Even though I won’t be on the ballot during this election, public service will forever be a part of my life and it will remain just as important to Andrea and I as it’s always been,” Boren said.