National Congress of American Indian CEO takes time off days before organization’s mid-year convention

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) announced late Saturday evening that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dante Desiderio (Sappony Tribe) was observing an administrative leave, effective Friday, June 10, 2022.

Desiderio’s leave comes two days before the nation’s largest Native American organization convenes in Anchorage, Alaska, for its midyear convention, which is the first in-person conference for NCAI since the COVID pandemic began. -19. The NCAI Mid-Year Convention and Market will meet in Anhcorage from Sunday, June 12 through Thursday, June 16.

Another Native American publication ran an article on Friday saying Desiderio had been suspended.

“While we recognize that the timing of this furlough is inappropriate given that the NCAI Mid-Year Convention begins on Sunday, June 12, the Executive Committee, the governing body of NCAI, agrees that placing the CEO on furlough temporary administrative staff is necessary and appropriate. to fulfill their fiduciary governance obligations and to comply with NCAI policies and procedures,” NCAI President Fawn Sharp said in a statement shortly before midnight Saturday night. “Thank you in advance for your understanding that we are unable to share further information regarding Desiderio’s leave and to respect his privacy.”

According to the NCAI statement, Desiderio has not parted ways with the organization and his leave is appropriate under the organization’s policies governing the current situation.

The Executive Committee will temporarily rely on its existing internal team leaders, Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Larry Wright, Jr. and Warren Hope to administer the important day-to-day work of the NCAI. The NCAI is confident that leadership intervention will ensure the success of the mid-year convention and the execution of operational tasks with integrity.

Desiderio was chosen on April 18, 2021 to lead the NCAI after a five-month search. Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) for 10 years.

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