Dr. Kevin Foley to Depart Na’Nizhoozhi Center Inc. after 24 years

Dr. Kevin Foley to Depart Na’Nizhoozhi Center Inc. after 24 years

GALLUP — Dr. Kevin Foley, the executive director of Na’Nizhoozhi Center Inc., will step down after more than two decades of service, the organization announced Nov. 14. Dr. Foley, who has accepted a new position in behavioral health with a coalition of tribes in northern California, is leaving to be closer to his family.

Foley began his career with NCI in 2000 and became the executive director in 2013. During his tenure, he led the nonprofit through significant challenges, including the withdrawal of Navajo Nation funding and the COVID-19 pandemic, while expanding its services and securing critical funding.

Among his key accomplishments, Dr. Foley, with the city of Gallup, secured a grant from U.S. Sen. Tom Udall to expand substance abuse treatment services, and he navigated the organization out of “high-risk” status by improving its financial oversight. He also facilitated the expansion of NCI’s services with an additional 25-bed facility and helped secure CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) certification for the organization.

“I am proud of the work we’ve done at NCI, especially saving lives and helping hundreds recover from alcohol and drug abuse,” Dr. Foley said. “I couldn’t have done this without the dedication of our front-line staff, key community partners, and support from local, state, and federal officials.”

The NCI Board of Directors has begun the search for a new executive director and will work with Dr. Foley during the transition.

“Dr. Foley’s leadership has had a profound impact on NCI, and we are grateful for his years of service,” said NCI Board President Dennis Lorenzo. “We wish him the best as he begins this new chapter in his career.”

Dr. Naomi Young selected as chief executive officer of FDIHB

FORT DEFIANCE — The Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board Inc. announces the appointment of Dr. Naomi Young as its new CEO, effective Dec. 1, 2024.

Dr. Young, a native of Sawmill, Arizona, possesses extensive experience in health care leadership and demonstrates a profound commitment to serving our local communities.

Dr. Young obtained her medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine and completed her residency with the Banner University Medical Center at the South Campus Family Residency Program in Tucson.
Since 2016, Dr. Young has worked as a family medicine physician at Tséhootsooí Medical Center while also fulfilling her leadership roles, including chief of staff, director of medical services, and interim chief medical officer at TMC.

Dr. Young’s comprehensive background in health care management underscores her dedication to providing quality care and advancing health care and public health services within local communities.

As CEO, Dr. Young will oversee all operations of the Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board Inc., ensuring the delivery of high-quality health care services to our communities. She succeeds the interim CEO, Christine Becenti, who has served intermittently and has made significant contributions to the enhancement of health care delivery at FDIHB.

The Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board Inc. serves as a critical health care provider for the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities, committed to delivering quality medical and public health services. Under Dr. Young’s leadership, FDIHB will continue to strive forward to enhance clinical services and financial stability and growth.

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