WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today announced that the Senate has approved the nomination of Jean Carol Hovland, of South Dakota, to serve as the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans at the Department of Health and Human Services.
“The Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans is instrumental in promoting tribal self-determination and leading key programs to foster economic and social development opportunities in Native American communities,” said Hoeven. “Ms. Hovland will bring efficient management to the agency and will be a strong leader and advocate for children, families and communities throughout Indian Country. I am encouraged that the Senate has moved expeditiously to approve her nomination.”
Ms. Hovland is an enrolled member of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and currently serves as the senior advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior, where she advises senior departmental officials on a diverse portfolio of Indian affairs matters. She previously served as the tribal affairs advisor and Native American outreach coordinator to Senator John Thune (R-S.D.).
The Administration for Native Americans at the Department of Health and Human Services promotes self-sufficiency and cultural preservation for Native Americans through community-based projects to foster economic and social development, as well as training and technical assistance to eligible tribes and Native American communities.
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