ALEXANDRIA, VA – The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) has announced Ahniwake Rose as its new President and CEO, effective July 1, 2024. Rose has extensive experience in tribal policy, state, national, and tribal mission-driven non-profit organizations. She succeeds Dr. John Phillips, who will remain AIHEC’s interim President and CEO until June 30th to assist in the transition of AIHEC to Rose’s leadership. Rose’s appointment comes after an extensive national search process led by AIHEC’s Board of Directors with the support of Work Renewed.
A citizen of the Cherokee Nation and of Muscogee (Creek) descent, Rose brings over two decades of expertise to her new role. She most recently served as AIHEC’s Vice President of Congressional/Federal Relations. Before AIHEC, Rose was the Executive Director at the Oklahoma Policy Institute, and held numerous leadership roles at national organizations, emphasizing her contributions to Indian Country. She is engaged in education and youth-related boards and co-founded VEST, an organization focused on empowering women.
“Without hesitation, we are confident that Ms. Rose will lead AIHEC based on our assessment of her skills, attributes, and mindset, as well as what we want to see in a day-one-ready President and CEO,” said Elmer Guy, Chair of the AIHEC Board of Directors.
