Mark Cruz appointed as Senior Advisor to HHS Secretary Robert. F. Kennedy Jr.

“I had the honor of swearing in Mark Cruz as Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Indian Health Services. central focus.” – HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr,

WASHINGTON DC – Mark Cruz’s appointment as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on June 19, 2025, represents a significant milestone in the federal government’s engagement with Indian Country. As a Tribal citizen of the Klamath Tribes, Cruz’s role underscores a commitment to elevating Native voices within high-level government decision-making, specifically within the Indian Health Services (IHS), a vital division responsible for Native health issues.

This appointment fulfills Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s promise to enhance Native representation in federal health leadership, promoting policies that better address the health needs of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. It also reflects a broader acknowledgment of the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities to these communities, emphasizing the importance of culturally sensitive and community-led health initiatives.

Organizations such as the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) have long advocated for more Native representation in administrative positions, recognizing that such leadership is essential for advancing health equity and respecting the sovereignty of Tribal nations. Cruz’s role not only symbolizes progress but also aims to foster stronger collaboration across HHS divisions to prioritize AI/AN health issues.

NIHB expressed its congratulations to Mark Cruz on his appointment and looks forward to working with him to ensure that AI/AN health priorities remain prominent within the federal health agenda. His leadership is expected to drive meaningful change and strengthen the government’s commitment to serving Native communities effectively.

“I had the honor of swearing in Mark Cruz as Senior Advisor to the Secretary for Indian Health Services. Indian Country is not just a concern of mine—it is a top priority. We cannot Make America Healthy Again without making Native health a central focus.” – Secretary Kennedy

Watch the swearing in video here.

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