Roselyn Tso announced as Nominee for Indian Health Service Director |
WASHINGTON, DC—March 9, 2022 – Today, the Biden Administration announced the nomination of Roselyn Tso (Navajo Nation) to serve as Director for the Indian Health Service (IHS). The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) passed Resolution 22-02 on February 24, 2022, calling on President Joe Biden to nominate an IHS Director in order to ensure that IHS has a leader who can set forth a vision to address the health disparities that AI/AN people face. The absence of a Director impedes the ability of both the Tribes, the Administration as well as Congress to carry out a bold vision for the Indian, Tribal and Urban, or I/T/U, system for which the IHS is responsible. Further, NIHB sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on March 7, 2022 to highlight the ambitious, necessary priorities the Tribes expect the new Director to embrace. The agency must have a permanent, competent leader who is capable and willing to advocate and act with diplomacy and tenacity, to respect Tribal nations and their voice, and to transform and reform institutional operations through innovative, effective, and sustainable systems-wide changes. NIHB looks forward to engaging with Tribes during this process.
A citizen of the Navajo Nation, Roselyn Tso is currently the Director of the Navajo Area of IHS, and previously held the position of Director of the Office of Direct Services and Contracting Tribes at IHS. Tso began working for IHS in 1984, and prior to working with the Navajo Area, she spent years working in the Portland Area, which included roles such as the Portland Area Planning and Statistical Officer, Equal Employment Officer, Special Assistant to the Area Director, and as Director of the Office of Tribal and Service Unit Operations. As Director for Tribal and Service Unit Operations, she was responsible for implementing the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act, working directly with Tribes and direct service Tribes.
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About the National Indian Health Board
Founded in 1972, NIHB is a 501(c) 3 not for profit, charitable organization providing health care advocacy services, facilitating Tribal budget consultation and providing timely information, and other services to all Tribal governments. NIHB also conducts research, provides policy analysis, program assessment and development, national and regional meeting planning, training, technical assistance, program and project management. NIHB presents the Tribal perspective while monitoring, reporting on and responding to federal legislation and regulations. It also serves as conduit to open opportunities for the advancement of American Indian and Alaska Native health care with other national and international organizations, foundations corporations and others in its quest to build support for, and advance, Indian health care issues.
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Visit the NIHB COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center at:
For media inquiries, contact Janee Andrews at JAndrews@nihb.org
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