DURANT, Okla. (Oct. 28, 2026)- Dr. Evan Whitley, Choctaw Nation executive director of agriculture and natural resources, has been named to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tribal Advisory Committee.
Whitley is one of four new appointees to the committee, joining Mark Fox (chairman of Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation), Enjady Godfrey (general manager of Mescalero Apache Telecom, Inc.) and Dr. Bradford Hall (president of Blackfeet Community College.) Whitley, Fox and Godfrey were all nominated by Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, while Hall was appointed by Representative Angie Craig.
The Tribal Advisory Committee advises the secretary of agriculture on tribal affairs, including identifying issues, policies and procedures that could affect tribes and working toward solutions.
“It’s an honor to serve on the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee where I’ll have an opportunity to advocate not only for Choctaw Nation citizens, but for tribal citizens across the country,” said Whitley. “Tribal nations play an important role in our country’s agricultural landscape, and I’m excited to be in a position to share our unique perspective with USDA leaders.”
Whitley has been with the Choctaw Nation since 2020 where he oversees 65,000 acres of ranch land, cattle, pecans, forestry, tribal conservation district and land management programs. He is also responsible for the Choctaw Ranches Beef production and product development. Whitley has spearheaded Choctaw Ranches’ use of technology and tracking systems to create streamlined processes and higher-quality cattle and beef, which will be featured on RFD-TV on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Choctaw Ranches will also be highlighted in an upcoming episode of The American Rancher on RFD-TV in December.
“We’re excited to see Dr. Whitley receive such a well-deserved position on the USDA Tribal Advisory Committee,” said Jody Standifer, executive officer of small business and ag administration. “Having a representative with such a knowledgeable, experienced voice advising the USDA on agricultural tribal affairs is paramount, and they couldn’t have found someone better suited to the job.”
About The Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 230,000 tribal members and 13,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 14,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.
About Choctaw Ranches
Choctaw Ranches, owned and operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, manages over 2,500 head of Black Angus cattle on 65,000 acres of diverse land across eight ranches in Southeast Oklahoma. Through rigorous selection, care and tracking, Choctaw Ranches has created a superior herd that’s bred for environmental adaptability and meets the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) standards. As stewards of the land, Choctaw Ranches also ensure sustainability through grazing management plans and pasture overseeding efforts.
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