Native Issues
Health Leadership
Oct 28, 2025

Cherokee Nation citizen named IHS chief of staff


October 28, 2025

The Indian Health Service appointed Cherokee Nation citizen Clayton Fulton as its new chief of staff, according to an IHS announcement. Fulton will oversee coordination of key agency activities and support the Office of the Director in implementing IHS initiatives and priorities.

“We are excited to have Mr. Fulton join the Indian Health Service, and welcome his leadership and expertise to our agency,” IHS Acting Director Benjamin Smith was quoted as saying. “His experience working at the intersection of policy and program development between tribal nations and the federal government will only strengthen our government-to-government relationships throughout Indian Country.”

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