Thomas Atcitty

Who is Thomas Atcitty?

Thomas Atcitty was the third president of the Navajo Nation, serving from February 1998 until June 1998.

Atcitty, an enrolled member of the Navajo Tribe, is the second of twelve children born to James and Priscilla Atcitty. A US Marine Corps veteran and graduated from Taylor University, Atcitty was instrumental in bringing a Fedmart store to Window Rock, Arizona in the 1960s, which provided economic growth for the tribe.

He served as the Vice President and President of the Navajo Community College, the only American Indian-operated college in the United States. He also served as the headmaster of the Navajo Academy in Farmington, New Mexico.

Atcitty was elected Vice President of the Navajo Nation in 1995, with Albert Hale inaugurated as President. However in February 1998 Hale stepped down from office because of scandals including spending inappropriately, taking gifts and a sexual affair while in office. Atcitty was sworn in to serve the rest of the term. In July 1998, Atcitty was forced to resigned as well, for accepting corporate gifts.