President Jonathan Nez

President of the Navajo Nation

President Jonathan Nez of the Navajo Nation was born and raised on the Navajo Nation. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Arizona University. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in political science and his research focuses on the reduction of dependence on the central tribal government and enhancing the local inherent sovereignty of the chapter areas. He began his career in public service as Shonto Chapter Vice President, then continued to be Navajo Nation Council Delegate, Navajo County Board Supervisor for District 1, and, in 2015, the Navajo Nation Vice President.

In 2019, he was elected as the President of the Navajo Nation and continued this role as the pandemic began in 2020. The Navajo Nation faced unique problems during the spread of COVID such as challenges of multi-generational households and a lack of consistent water access. President Nez recognizes the resilience of the Navajo people and commends their success in mask wearing and abiding by various COVID-19 safety policies. President Nez focuses on COVID information communication and CDC recommendations during response efforts. In the coming months, President Nez expects the Navajo Nation to continue responding to the pandemic by encouraging continued mask wearing and vaccinations.

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