Harold “Gus” Frank, Forest County Potawatomi Chairman (center in white shirt) one of eight White House Champion of Change honorees was recognized last week at the White House. Other honorees included: Wayne Balta, Saint Clair, PA; David Bolt, Knoxville, TN; Jim Clark, Dayton, OH; Frank Hugelmeyer, Boulder, CO; Chad and Jodi Ray, Louisburg, NC; and Karen Trilevsky, Moss Beach, CA. (Photo provided by The White House)
On Thursday, April 12th, Forest County Potawatomi Executive Council Chairman Harold “Gus” Frank was one of eight individuals honored at the White House as Champions of Change for demonstrating that corporate environmental leadership make senses, both for business and for American communities.
“Cutting waste, reducing energy use and operating more sustainably translates to less pollution and lower utility bills for businesses across the country,” said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “The leaders we’ve selected as Champions of Change are proving that sustainable practices work for companies’ bottom lines, and work for the health of American communities.”
The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative.
Each week, a different sector is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to serve and strengthen their communities.
Harold “Gus” Frank is Chairman of the Forest County Potawatomi Community. Under his leadership, the Potawatomi have taken a proactive approach to environmental issues and taken practical steps to help ensure that future generations have access to clean air, water and land.
The Tribe has also implemented several significant energy efficiency projects and increased the use of renewable energy on the reservation, considerably reducing its overall energy use and carbon footprint.
Chairman Frank has been serving in tribal leadership for 16 years.