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Board

Leadership and Governance of the National Indian Health Board

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Board of Directors (and their alternates) are leaders from across Indian Country representing the 12 Indian Health Service (IHS) regions. 

Board of Directors

These leaders bear the responsibility of guiding NIHB’s primary mission as established by the Tribes.

William Smith​

Valdez Native Tribe​

  • NIHB Chairperson and Alaska Area Representative
  • Valdez Native Tribe - Board Member
  • Alaska Native Health Board – Chairman

Sam Moose

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

  • NIHB Vice Chairperson and Bemidji Area Representative
  • Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe – Commissioner of Administration

Marty Wafford

  • NIHB Treasurer and Oklahoma City Area Representative
  • Under Secretary of Support and Services – Chickasaw Nation Department of Health

Jacqueline Platero

To’Hajiilee Band of Navajos

  • NIHB Secretary and Albuquerque Area Representative
  • Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board – Vice Chairperson

Janet Alkire

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

  • NIHB Member-At-Large and Great Plains Area Representative
  • Standing Rock Sioux Tribe - Chairperson

Lee Spoonhunter

Northern Arapaho Tribe

  • Billings Area Representative
  • Northern Arapaho Tribe – Councilman

Reno Keoni Franklin

Kashia Pomo Tribe

  • California Area Representative
  • California Rural Indian Health Board – Chairperson

Beverly Cook

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe

  • Nashville Area Representative
  • St. Regis Mohawk Tribe - Chief

Dr. Buu Nygren

Navajo Nation

  • Navajo Area Representative
  • Navajo Nation - President

Aaron Hines

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

  • Portland Area Representative
  • NPAIHB Treasurer/Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center Chief Executive Officer

Jerome Kasey III

White Mountain Apache Tribe

  • Phoenix Area Representative
  • White Mountain Apache Tribe - Vice Chairman

Pamela Benavidez

Tohono O'odham Nation

  • Tucson Area Representative
  • Tohono O’odham Nation - Legislative Council, Pisinemo District

Sovereignty.

Strength.

Equity.

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Washington, DC 20001

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NIHB Response to Executive Orders

President Trump’s recent Executive Orders on federal funding could have serious implications for Tribal health. NIHB is actively advocating for Tribal Nations and providing key updates—click to learn more and access resources.

Click here