NEWS RELEASE
ORGANIZATION CONTACT
Valerie J. Grussing, Ph.D. NATHPO, Executive Director
Valerie@nathpo.org
202-628-8476
MEDIA CONTACT
Media@nathpo.org
202-643-0839
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NATHPO ANNOUNCES IRA MATT AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR INDIGENOUS POLICY AND FEDERAL RELATIONS
The appointment marks the latest step in NATHPO's growth as it continues to expand its work with and on behalf of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
The National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO) proudly announces the appointment of Ira L. Matt (Séliš) as its new Executive Director for Indigenous Diplomacy and Federal Relations. In this role, Ira will partner in leading NATHPO as it transitions to a co-executive model alongside Dr. Valerie J. Grussing, who will continue in her position as the Executive Director for Legislative Affairs and Strategic Partnerships. In this new role, Ira, who joined NATHPO as Senior Advisor earlier this year, will serve as NATHPO’s principal liaison to the Executive Office of the President, federal agencies, and Tribal governments on matters of consultation, preservation policy, and Indigenous governance.
In this next phase of growth for NATHPO, adopting a co-Executive Director structure will pair shared authority with shared accountability to build capacity, continuity, resilience, and transparent decision making. It sustains key relationships and institutional knowledge while reflecting Indigenous governance traditions rooted in relational leadership, reciprocity, and consensus. This model positions NATHPO to better advance Tribal priorities, respond to the needs of the Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs) it serves, and partner effectively across governments, philanthropy, and civil society.
A citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), Ira brings more than 25 years of experience advancing Tribal sovereignty, protecting cultural heritage, and shaping national policy. Ira will bring invaluable experience – both as a former THPO and following a long career in federal service – to this role. His appointment underscores NATHPO’s commitment to strengthening federal-Tribal collaboration, amplifying Indigenous leadership, and embedding Indigenous Knowledge in preservation and governance systems.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this new chapter for NATHPO,” said Valerie Grussing. “Ira’s broad experience and talents are a perfect fit or this organization, and by taking on this role, he will allow us to do even more to support Tribal Nations and their THPOs as they work tirelessly to protect their sacred places and preserve their cultural resources.”
“As a former THPO and a father to three beautiful Indigenous girls, I know how essential this work is to our communities, heritage, and future," said Ira Matt. "I am honored to join Valerie in leading NATHPO as we grow and face new challenges, and I am committed to amplifying the voices of all Tribal Nations, strengthening sovereignty, and protecting and perpetuating our cultural lifeways for generations to come.”
More About Ira:
Before joining NATHPO, Ira served as the inaugural Assistant Director for Indigenous Engagement and Native American Affairs at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Director of the Office of Tribal and Indigenous Peoples at the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), and as a Federal Preservation Officer within the USDA.
At the White House and ACHP, he led national initiatives to strengthen Tribal consultation, protect sacred and cultural sites, and elevate Indigenous Knowledge within federal decision-making. His leadership also extended internationally through participation in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, where he helped amplify U.S. Tribal perspectives in global heritage and climate dialogues. In 2024, NATHPO honored Ira for his work on behalf of Tribal Nations in the federal government by awarding him with its inaugural Federal Changemaker Award.
Earlier in his career, Ira worked for his Tribe for more than 15 years, including as Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. He led cultural resource management, protected sacred sites, advanced environmental stewardship, and coordinated policy across governments, using historic preservation as a tool for cultural perpetuation.
About NATHPO:
NATHPO is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization, founded in 1998, of Tribal preservation leaders protecting culturally important places that perpetuate Native identity, resilience, and cultural endurance. Connections to cultural heritage sustain the health and vitality of Native peoples. We provide guidance to preservation officials, elected representatives, and the public about national historic preservation legislation, policies, and regulations. We promote Tribal sovereignty, develop partnerships, and advocate for Tribes in governmental activities on preservation issues. For more information visit our website at www.nathpo.org.