The Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians has announced the formation of a communications office, and the hiring of Brandon Thoms as director of public relations and Kim Swisher as director of communications.

Thoms is a descendant of the tribe. He has served the tribe through his work at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino and more recently in the tribe’s business and economic development office. Thoms is also a member of the Tribal AmeriCorps program which focuses on strengthening the community capacity to provide resources and services to tribal members. His previous experience includes his work as a public relations and marketing consultant within Indian gaming and positions in the print media industry.
Swisher comes to the tribe from the School District of Rhinelander, serving as the community education coordinator and public relations coordinator. Her previous experience also includes managing the Rhinelander, West Bend and Tomahawk chambers of commerce and the city of Sheboygan’s Tourism Division.

“This is a great opportunity for our tribe. We will be increasing the tribe’s communication with our members, descendants and our neighbors,” said Tom Maulson, tribal chairman.

Thoms and Swisher will act as liaisons with the media and assist the tribal council with communications.

They will begin their official duties June 17.