Under his leadership as Chairman, the tribe completed its casino expansion project and Camp 4 was placed into federal trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In April 2016, Kahn won a special election to become the new Tribal Chairman and was re-elected in that role during a general tribal election the following March. Kahn went on to be elected for seven consecutive terms, serving as Secretary/Treasurer and Vice Chairman through many vital tribal milestones - including the purchase of 1,390 acres of Santa Ynez ranch land known as Camp 4, the acquisition of two hotel properties and the launch of Kitá Wines.
Kahn was elected to the tribal leadership team in March 2003 when he was just 25 - making him the youngest person to ever serve on the Chumash Business Committee. At 19 he made his first trip to Sacramento to represent the tribe’s interests. KENNETH KAHN’S INVOLVEMENT and deep interest in tribal government and politics developed at an early age.
Kenneth Kahn CHAIRMAN, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
