VALINDA SHIRLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Valinda C. Shirley was appointed to serve as the Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency, and confirmed by the 24th Navajo Nation Council on February 12, 2021. Valinda Shirley resides in Rock Point, Ariz., with her husband and children. She is Táchiinii and born for Tł’ízÍ łání. Her maternal grandfather is Bit'ahnii, and her paternal grandfather is Ta'neeszhahnii.

Prior to her appointment, she served as the Senior Remedial Project Manager for the Navajo Nation EPA Superfund Program, coordinating on-site environmental cleanup or remediation projects to ensure compliance with Navajo Nation and federal environmental laws, standards, and regulations, and requirements, including Diné Fundamental Law. Shirley earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry from the University of New Mexico and graduated as the valedictorian from Rock Point High School.