Chief Lynn Malerba to give keynote address at Commencement

Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba, the 18th chief of the Mohegan tribe and the first Native American to serve as treasurer of the United States, will deliver the keynote address at Connecticut College’s 108th Commencement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Malerba is a nationally respected leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, sovereignty, public health and community well-being. Appointed lifetime chief of the Mohegan tribe in 2010, she is the first woman to hold the position in the tribe’s modern history. Before becoming chief, she served as chairwoman of the tribal council and as the tribe’s executive director of health and human services.

In June 2022, then-President Joe Biden appointed Malerba as treasurer of the United States—the first Native American to hold the office. During her tenure, she oversaw major expansions in tribal economic development and investment, including unprecedented federal recovery funding for tribal nations. She also created the Treasury Department’s first Office of Tribal and Native Affairs, advancing her long-held vision to ensure Indigenous voices and priorities are represented in federal economic policy.

Malerba began her career in health care, serving as a critical care nurse and later as director of cardiology and pulmonary services at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Yale University and several honorary doctorates recognizing her leadership and advocacy. Her national service also includes work with the Indian Health Service, the National Institutes of Health, the Justice Department and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Center for Indian Country Development. Locally, she has served on several boards supporting economic and community development in eastern Connecticut.

At the Commencement ceremony, the College will award her the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, in recognition of her historic achievements and her extraordinary record of public service.

“Chief Malerba’s story is one of trailblazing leadership, cultural stewardship and a lifelong commitment to expanding opportunity for Indigenous communities and all those she serves,” President Andrea E. Chapdelaine wrote in an email announcement to the Conn community. “We look forward to welcoming Chief Malerba to campus and celebrating the Connecticut College Class of 2026 with her.”