Tribal Governance
Jul 10, 2026

Boarding school healing coalition names new CEO

Nikki Santos will lead the organization after a three-month search following Deborah Parker's departure


July 10, 2026

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition has named Nikki Santos, a citizen of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, as its new chief executive officer, according to reporting from ICT. Santos succeeds former CEO Deborah Parker of the Tulalip Tribes, who stepped down in April after leading the organization for four years. The coalition announced Santos' appointment Wednesday following a three-month search.

Santos brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in federal policy, philanthropy, strategic development, fundraising and community-based organizing, according to the ICT reporting. She previously served as a senior adviser at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and executive director of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute, and held leadership roles with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. The coalition said Santos will lead its work to address the ongoing impacts of the federal Indian boarding school system through truth, justice and Indigenous-led healing.

  1. 1.ICT.

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