The Honorable Jefferson Keel

Education: M.A, Troy State University

Experience: The Honorable Jefferson Keel, Lieutenant Governor of the Chickasaw Nation and President of the National Congress of American Indians, is committed to the service of Indian people. He is a retired U.S. Army officer with over 20 years active duty service. His service included combat duty as an infantryman in Vietnam, where he earned numerous awards and decorations, including two awards of the Bronze Star with the “V” device for valor and two awards of the Purple Heart. Lt. Governor Keel believes in educating, training, and equipping Indian people to be successful. He serves on several national boards and committees and is often called upon to provide testimony to Congress in order to assist tribes and organizations on a variety of actions and initiatives.

Appointed By U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid