PoQueen Rivera

Meet the Director of Tribal Affairs
PoQueen Rivera is the first-ever Director of Tribal Affairs for the Permitting Council and has a distinguished career dedicated to fostering stronger relationships between federal agencies and Tribal nations. During her tenure at the Permitting Council, Rivera has made significant strides in advancing Tribal engagement in infrastructure and environmental review processes, such as ushering in the first Tribal projects to receive over $100 million in economic investment through FAST-41. Additionally, she spearheaded the creation of the Environmental Review Improvement Fund Tribal Assistance Program (ERIF TAP), the Council’s first financial assistance initiative for Tribes, allocating $1.3 million to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Stockbridge-Munsee Community to support their engagement in the environmental review process.

In May 2024, Rivera was appointed Executive Director of the White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA), where she leads interagency collaboration to support the prosperity and resilience of Tribal nations. She succeeded Morgan Rodman in this role, continuing the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to Tribal communities.

Born and raised in Indian Country, Rivera's dedication to Tribal affairs is rooted in her personal and professional experiences. She holds a degree in Environmental Policy and Management, and her extensive background in public service has consistently focused on advocating for Tribal communities and ensuring their voices are heard in federal decision-making.