Washington, D.C., April 14, 2025 — The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) is pleased to commend President Trump and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for the appointment of T.W. Shannon as the Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Rural Prosperity at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). T.W. Shannon is an enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. This significant appointment brings a trusted ally and champion for rural and Tribal communities into a vital role at USDA.

“Mr. Shannon’s appointment is a meaningful and reassuring development for Indian Country. With critical programs housed within the USDA, such as the Rural Housing Service, that are essential to homeownership, self-help housing, and multifamily housing in Tribal communities, T.W. Shannon’s leadership will be instrumental,” stated NAIHC Executive Director Rudy Soto. “NAIHC is eager to work closely with USDA to deliver effective housing solutions that uplift and empower our Tribal communities.”

As a former Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and CEO of Chickasaw Community Bank, T.W. Shannon brings a wealth of experience in banking and economic development to this role. His background in public service and education as a Harvard Kennedy School Fellow and Rodel Fellow further underscores his commitment to fostering prosperity in rural and Tribal areas.

The NAIHC looks forward to working with T.W. Shannon in his new role and advancing the mission of supporting housing opportunities for Native Americans, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians across the nation.