FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: LindaLee Retka [email protected]
Rudy Soto is the incoming Executive Director of the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC). Most recently, he held positions as a Presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for the USDA Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs from 2023-2025. Prior to that, he served as USDA Rural Development State Director for Idaho, where he played a pivotal role in advancing economic development, expanding access to affordable and workforce housing, and strengthening infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities across the state.
Soto brings extensive experience in public service and Tribal advocacy, having previously served as a legislative staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives and worked with national Tribal organizations, including the Indian Gaming Association, the National Council of Urban Indian Health, and the National Indian Child Welfare Association.
A proud member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation and a veteran of the United States Army National Guard, Soto was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University.
“It’s an incredible honor to serve as the Executive Director of the National American Indian Housing Council and to work alongside our dedicated board, staff, membership, and partners. The high cost of living and the housing unaffordability crisis remains one of the most pressing challenges facing all Americans and even more so, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. I look forward to collaborating with Tribal partners, housing advocates, and policymakers—across both the federal executive and legislative branches—to achieve solutions that ensure safe, decent, affordable, and culturally appropriate housing for Native communities. We plan to be a dynamic force when it comes to advancing NAIHC’s advocacy efforts, expanding partnerships, and providing sustainable housing resources for current and future generations,” said Soto.
Bobby Yandell, NAIHC Board Chair, stated, “NAIHC is excited to welcome Rudy Soto as our Executive Director. Rudy brings a wealth of government experience as well as Housing knowledge that will serve him well in this role.”
The NAIHC is composed of 201 members representing 392 tribes and housing organizations. The organization advocates for housing opportunities and increased funding, provides conference events, training, and technical assistance for its members, and conducts research and informational services relating to Native housing issues and programs.