DURANT, OK – Dr. Evan Whitley, Choctaw Nation Executive Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has been named to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tribal Advisory Committee.
Whitley is one of four new appointees to the committee, joining Mark Fox (Chairman of Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation), Enjady Godfrey (GM of Mescalero Apache Telecom) and Dr. Bradford Hall (President of Blackfeet Community College). Whitley, Fox and Godfrey were all nominated by Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, while Hall was appointed by Representative Angie Craig.
The Tribal Advisory Committee advises the secretary of agriculture on tribal affairs, including identifying issues, policies and procedures that could affect tribes and working toward solutions.
“It’s an honor to serve on the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee where I’ll have an opportunity to advocate not only for Choctaw Nation citizens, but for tribal citizens across the country,” said Whitley. “Tribal nations play an important role in our country’s agricultural landscape, and I’m excited to be in a position to share our unique perspective with USDA leaders.”
Whitley has been with the Choctaw Nation since 2020 where he oversees 65,000 acres of ranch land, cattle, pecans, forestry, tribal conservation district and land management programs. He is also responsible for the Choctaw Ranches Beef production and product development. Whitley has spearheaded Choctaw Ranches’ use of technology and tracking systems to create streamlined processes and higher quality cattle and beef.
“We’re excited to see Dr. Whitley receive such a well-deserved position on the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee,” said Jody Standifer, Executive Officer of Small Business and AG Administration. “Having a representative with such a knowledgeable, experienced voice advising the USDA on agricultural tribal affairs is paramount, and they couldn’t have found someone better suited to the job.”
