Jefferson Keel

Jefferson Keel, lieutenant governor of the Chickasaw Nation and former president of the National Congress of American Indians, has consistently proven himself as an effective leader and a strong advocate for Indian people, working tirelessly on their behalf. 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.

A retired US Army officer with over 20 years of active duty service, Keel’s service included combat duty as an infantryman in Vietnam where he earned numerous awards and decorations including two Bronze Stars with “V” device for valor and two Purple Hearts. In June 2011, president Keel was inducted into the Military Memorial Museum Hall of Honor.