Navajo Nation President Nez has appointed Tico Charlee Executive Director for the Navajo
Nation Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NNTRC). He replaces Christopher Becenti
who has begun a new role as Broadband Program Specialist for the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Office of Internet Connectivity and
Growth. Prior to his appointment, Charlee served as the Tribal Policy Relations for Sacred Wind
Communications since 2006, and previously as the Field Director and Executive Director. He
also served in the U.S. Army for four years, from 1975 to 1979, as a Tactical Circuit Control.
“With his professional experience and military service, we are confident that Mr. Charlee will do
a great job leading the Navajo Nation Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Office,” said
President Nez. “His vast experience provides perspective and guidance on many issues related
to the need for broadband connectivity to meet the needs of our Navajo students, teachers, first
responders, health care professionals, elders, and business owners. He’s worked closely with
the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and the Office for years.” Charlee’s previous
professional experience also includes serving as President of Native Communications, Inc.,
former Vice President of the Navajo Nation Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, and
an IT Director for Navajo Tribal Utility Authority. “I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the
Navajo Nation Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and to help expand broadband
efforts in Navajo communities,” said Charlee. “Most importantly, to provide solutions and
opportunities for telecommunication infrastructure in the Nation.”
President Nez and Vice President Lizer expressed their appreciation for Christopher Becenti,
who served as the NNTRC Office Executive Director from January 2019 to March 2022.
Becenti’s notable accomplishments include: being a co-founding member of the Navajo Nation
E-Rate Consortium; correcting gaps with Wireless Emergency Alerts; securing 2.5 GHz EBS
Spectrum to help deploy fixed wireless as an initial and rapid deployment for broadband
connections to the home; supporting efforts to establish a multi-service provider proposal;
finalized the draft Telecom Regulations; collaborated with Navajo Nation Division of Public
Safety and Division of Community Development to create a proposal for Rural Addressing and

911-(PSAP) Public Safety Answering Point; supported the deployment of AT&T/FirstNet on the
Navajo Nation; and many other accomplishments. Served on TAG 2024-2025