Los Angeles, CA -- Erik R. Stegman, Carry the Kettle First Nation (Nakoda), has been named Executive Director of Native Americans in Philanthropy - the only non-profit organization devoted to promoting equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities.

Stegman’s hiring comes as the Board concludes a year-long commitment of listening to and partnering with stakeholders in order to develop a plan of strategic growth and impact built upon strong relationships and best practices.

The organization will focus its efforts on four significant areas that will have a positive impact on philanthropic growth in Indian Country:

• Transform and influence the philanthropic sector to be in alignment with an Indigenous worldview
• Increase and support Native American/Alaska Native professionals in philanthropy
• Increase engagement with and funding to Native-led organizations
• Strengthen internal structure and capacity of the organization

“Both the Board and staff at Native Americans in Philanthropy are thrilled to have Erik lead us in this exciting stage of growth. His experience, accomplishments, ideas, and character will take NAP’s work to a greater level. ” Edgar Villanueva, NAP Board Chair, said. “I would like to thank our NAP staff and Interim Executive Director Geoffrey Roth. They ensured the Board had the ability to conduct a thorough search for a new Executive Director by maintaining quality programming during this transition.”

Erik is slated to start his new role mid-February, joining NAP from the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute where he served as the Executive Director. He has also previously held positions at the Center for American Progress on their Poverty to Prosperity team, as Majority Staff Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and in the Obama administration as a Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education. Erik began his career in Washington, D.C. at the National Congress of American Indians Policy Research Center. He holds a J.D. from UCLA School of Law, an M.A. in American Indian Studies from UCLA’s Graduate Division, and a B.A. from Whittier College.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Native Americans in Philanthropy. With an active and committed Board and visionary strategic direction, the organization is poised to build on the tremendous momentum of the past thirty years. Indigenous people and communities will be at the heart of what I do to help bring NAP to the next level of impact,” Stegman said.

To provide input on the exciting direction and future of the organization, contact NAP at info@nativephilanthropy.org.