New Board Members include a foundational Keepseagle claimant, a former USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator, and a former Small Business Administration Assistant Administrator for the Office of Native American Affairs
BISMARCK, ND - The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) is proud to announce the appointment of three new leaders to its Board of Trustees: Juanita Cole-Crasco, Zach Ducheneaux, and Jackson S. Brossy. The NAAF trustees serve as fiduciaries of the Fund, responsible for stewarding the mission of NAAF through strategic grant-making that advances agriculture in rural and Tribal communities. Crasco, Ducheneaux, and Brossy bring a wealth of knowledge and experience as producers and leaders who aim to strengthen Native rural communities by transforming agricultural finance and expanding economic opportunities for producers.
- Juanita Cole-Crasco, Gros-Ventre Tribe- Crasco is a lifelong rancher, educator, and leader from the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation with over 40 years of experience in education, administration, and agriculture. She has written and secured millions in grants to support her community and has held leadership roles within her Tribe and across the state of Montana. A Keepseagle claimant and member of one of Montana’s largest Native ranching families, Crasco brings a critical perspective on NAAF’s responsibility to original claimants. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within agriculture and her expertise in fields where NAAF is looking to make an impact make her a trusted voice among NAAF's Board of Trustees.
- Zach Ducheneaux, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe- Ducheneaux is a fourth-generation rancher and the founder of 5th C, a consultancy focused on community-based agricultural solutions. He previously served as Administrator of the USDA Farm Service Agency —he oversaw national agricultural policy and programs, including farm loans, conservation efforts, and disaster assistance. Before his time on FSA, he was the Executive Director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council. He continues to ranch with his family on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and serves on the board of Project H3LP!, a nonprofit promoting youth development through horsemanship. Ducheneaux brings decades of experience in agriculture, policy, and economic growth. He has spent his career advocating for improved food systems, value-added agriculture, and responses to economic and social challenges facing Indian Country. His deep understanding of agriculture and commitment to producer success through capital-based solutions make him a valuable asset to NAAF’s mission.
- Jackson S. Brossy, Navajo Nation- Brossy is the Principal of Native Management Partners, LLC, and a recognized leader in economic development, specializing in access to capital and government contracting. He previously served as Assistant Administrator at the SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs and led the Native CDFI Network and the Navajo Nation Washington Office. An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, he holds degrees from Stanford and Harvard Universities and currently serves on the boards of Change Labs and Prosperity Now. Brossy has worked to enhance access to capital and financial services for communities, including farmers and ranchers. Through his roles, he has advocated policies and programs that benefit agricultural enterprises, making him an impactful addition to NAAF.
“We are excited to welcome our new trustees, who each bring invaluable expertise and a profound commitment to uplifting agricultural communities,” said Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, CEO of the Native American Agriculture Fund. “Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue to invest in transformative agricultural solutions, empower producers, and honor our commitment to the original Keepseagle claimants by ensuring their voices and needs are at the forefront of our mission.”
NAAF is moving into its seventh funding cycle, and with more than $80 million invested through grant-making, NAAF is committed to fostering robust agricultural solutions to strengthen rural and Tribal economic vitality.
"Juanita Cole-Crasco’s experience as a rancher and Keepseagle claimant, as well as her leadership in education, provides valuable insight into securing critical resources for communities and supporting youth in agriculture. Jackson Brossy’s deep knowledge of capital systems and his advocacy for equitable finance make him a critical voice at NAAF and a strong ally for CDFIs across the country. Zach Ducheneaux led historic initiatives within the USDA Farm Service Agency aimed at increasing equity and access to capital for producers, and his passion for ranching makes him uniquely positioned to guide impactful strategic grant-making. Together, their vision, leadership, and commitment to Indian Country will help build on the contributions of NAAF’s previous trustees.”
These new members join the most recent appointed members of the NAAF Board of Trustees, which include:
Aja K. DeCoteau, Citizen of the Yakama Nation- DeCoteau is the Executive Director of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. She has over 20 years in natural resource management and policy and serves on the National Park System Advisory Board. Additionally, she contributes as an advisory board member for the Yale Center for Environmental Justice and holds board positions with Earthjustice and American Rivers.
Santana Nez-Coleman, Navajo Nation- An eighth-generation rancher from Arizona, Nez-Coleman earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. As a member of the inaugural cohort of the Tribal Agriculture Fellowship, she is committed to providing veterinary services to rural communities, blending traditional knowledge with modern animal health practices.
Both DeCoteau and Nez-Coleman exemplify the integration of Indigenous knowledge with contemporary expertise, driving progress in environmental stewardship and agricultural development within Native communities
For more information about the Native American Agriculture Fund and its Trustees, please visit nativeamericanagriculturefund.org/board-of-trustees/.
