The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has named Dante Desiderio as CEO after a five-month search. Desiderio, who is a member of the Sappony Tribe has been executive director of the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) for the past decade.
Before that he was NCAI director of economic policy, a job he held during the Great Recession.
NCAI President Fawn Sharp said in a statement: “We are thrilled to welcome Dante Desiderio back to NCAI as our new CEO at this critical time. As we emerge from a global pandemic and the social and economic instability that come with such monumental challenges, there is no better leader to guide us through the recovery and rebuilding effort, or to help us navigate the future as it pertains to policy and opportunities with the American Rescue Plan.”
The new CEO said in a statement: “I am honored to be selected by the National Congress of American Indians to serve as their Chief Executive Officer.” He added, “I’ve always loved NCAI’s work on behalf of their tribal members and on behalf of Indian Country as a whole. I look forward to serving once again at an organization I respect, and with a team that puts their whole heart into their work and am ready to meet the challenges ahead. I thank the NCAI Board for the trust they put in me and for the opportunity to return to the Embassy and lead the NCAI team as we work together for the betterment of all of Indian Country.”
Sappony Chairwoman Dorothy Stewart Yates praised Desiderio: “I am very proud that Dante has been selected to lead NCAI as CEO. Dante has always had a strong commitment and dedication to advocating on behalf of Indian Country and improving the lives of Native Americans. His leadership, work ethic and heart for this work will be as asset to NCAI and all of Indian Country and the entire High Plains Indian Community stands firmly behind Dante as he takes on his new role at NCAI.”
