The Mohegan Tribal Council of Elders
A seven-member Council of Elders is responsible for overseeing judicial matters and the Tribe's cultural integrity and possesses legislative powers specifically granted to this body pursuant to the Tribe's Constitution. The Council of Elders provides traditional Mohegan names to members and appoints, defines, and supervises all religious and ceremonial positions such as Medicine Person, Chief or Sachem, Pipe Carrier, Tribal Historian, Sagamores, Nonners, Fire Keepers, etc. They advise on Tribal cultural matters and enforce rules of Tribal custom.
Beth (Elizabeth) Regan, “Morning Deer," Chairwoman & Justice
Beth Regan was elected to the Council of Elders in 2014, appointed to Secretary in 2016, appointed to Vice-Chairwoman in 2020, and appointed to Chairwoman in 2024. She brings an extensive background in education and athletics to the Council of Elders. She was a teacher at Tolland High School for over 35 years, specializing in both Native American studies and Russian history. Beth has created curriculum and lessons on Mohegan history and culture for teachers of all grade levels to incorporate. Outside the classroom, she has coached at the high school and collegiate levels, and has spent over 30 years as a coach and volunteer for Special Olympics. She has earned many citations as both Teacher of the Year and Coach of the Year, and is a member of the athletic Halls of Fame at Eastern Connecticut State University, New Britain High School, and the Connecticut Girls Soccer Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Education and a Master’s degree in Human Relations, both from Eastern Connecticut State University. She was a longtime member of the Mohegan Board of Education and is a current member of the Mohegan Tribe Language Committee. Beth and her spouse, Geri White, are longtime residents of Hampton, CT where they both serve on various civic committees.
Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, Vice-Chair & Justice
Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel was sworn into the Council of Elders in 2024. Her Tribal service began as a child mentee of former Medicine Woman Gladys Tantaquidgeon and Chief Harold Tantaquidgeon. In the 1970s and 1980s, she worked part-time as a tour guide at the Tantaquidgeon Museum. She has supported four Mohegan chiefs—Tantaquidgeon, Fowler, Sturges, and Malerba—collaborating on the Mohegan Constitution, federal recognition, and the reinstatement of Reservation land. She also helped incorporate cultural design elements into the Tribe’s properties including Mohegan Sun and Mohegan INSPIRE in South Korea. Over four decades, she has served as Tribal Council Vice Chair, Tribal Historian, Medicine Woman, Federal Recognition Coordinator, Director of the Cultural Department, and cultural-adjacent entities. Most recently, Melissa was the Tribe’s Creative Media Liaison, creating various media for the Mohegan Tribe including films, plays, and authoring books on Mohegan history and culture.
Joe Smith, Secretary & Justice
Joe Smith was sworn into the Council of Elders in 2019 following a four-year term on the Tribal Council. He has a wide range of experience within the Mohegan organization, working for Mohegan Gaming in the fields of Communications and Public Relations before working directly for the Mohegan Tribe in 2007. At the Tribe, he has held posts as Manager of Public Affairs and editor of Wuskuso, the weekly newsletter for Tribal members, and has also served as a tour guide at the Tantaquidgeon Museum. A native of Uncasville, he returned home in 2003 after a twenty-year career in the media industry in New York and Los Angeles. In support of the arts and history, he serves on the boards of The Katharine Hepburn Performing Arts Center, Goodspeed Musicals, and The Norwich Historical Society. He makes his home in Old Lyme, CT with his spouse, John.
Marie Pineault, Treasurer & Justice of the Peace
Marie Pineault was first elected to the Council of Elders in 2004. She has devoted many years of service to the Mohegan Tribe, and in 2012 was appointed to the position of Treasurer, with previous experience acting as the Elders’ Secretary. Before being elected to the Council of Elders, she held several administrative posts at the Tribe. Marie has also volunteered at many events sponsored by the Tribe and served on various Tribal committees. She has been a part of the Indigenous Games Committee and Constitution Review Committee. Prior to her experience with the Mohegan Tribe she worked for Norwich Public Schools, responsible for the planning, coordination, and supervision of food management programs. Marie has a strong interest in the youth of the Tribe and has committed herself to passing on Tribal knowledge and traditional Mohegan values.
Bruce Bozsum, "Two Dogs," Elder & Justice
Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum was first elected to the Council of Elders in 2018. Bozsum’s work experience includes roles within the Tribal Cultural Department, developing educational outreach programs, helping produce the annual Wigwam Festival as well as Cultural Week. He also served for many years on the Tribal Council, spending eight years in the role of Chairman. During his years as Chairman, he helped secure refinancing for Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE), and was also involved in the expansion of the Mohegan Sun brand with Pennsylvania’s Mohegan Pennsylvania and Resorts Atlantic City. Bozsum is also an appointed ceremonial Pipe Carrier, and has played a vital part in significant life events for many members of the Mohegan Tribe.
Linda Cholewa McCarthy, Elder & Justice
Linda Cholewa McCarthy was sworn into the office of the Council of Elders in 2024. Prior, she worked as a Cultural Curriculum Specialist in the Curriculum and Instruction Department from 2023-2024. Under the direction of the Council of Elders, the department is tasked with managing the Educators Project to provide resources to facilitate educators with culturally responsive learning about Indigenous and Native American people in K-12 Connecticut schools. They also collaborate with other departments for guided tours of the Tantaquidgeon Museum and Mohegan Church for school groups. Before her role in the Curriculum and Instruction Department, she had a 15-year career in Purchased/Referred Care for the Tribe. She also previously served on the Ethics Committee, worked diligently with Health Support Services on the Diabetes Committee, and assisted in the creation of the Guide to Family Health History booklet and program.
Susan Meehan, "Golden Wolf," Elder & Justice
Susan Meehan was sworn into the office of the Council of Elders in 2024. She was an Outreach and Traditions Specialist with the Tribe from 2007-2013. While employed in the Mohegan Tribe’s Cultural Department, her Master’s pursuit became an in-depth study of Mohegan culture through many academic lenses focused on sustaining communities and their culture. Her capstone was a project detailing Mohegan agricultural food-ways. Following her work as an Outreach and Traditions Specialist, she was a Legislative Consultant with various advocacy groups in the Maine legislature. She was also a Member & Administrative Assistant for the Mohegan Tribe’s Constitutional Revision Commission from 2003-2009. These experiences have informed her understanding of the legislative process. She sees conflict resolution as integral to maintaining and upholding Mohegan culture and the Tribal government.
