NAFSA Board of Directors

John R. Shotton is the current Chairman of the Native American Financial Services Association and is also the Chairman of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians.  He has served in that capacity since being elected in November 2007.  Prior to being elected to the office of Chairman, he served on the Tribal Council as the First Member for two years. Chairman Shotton is a member of the Owl Clan and belongs to the Otoe Eloska Society as well as the Red Rock Creek Gourd Dancers.

Chairman Shotton holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Oklahoma.  Prior to serving the Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Chairman Shotton worked for the University of Oklahoma’s American Indian Institute developing and administering programs for Tribes across the United States. In 2012, Chairman Shotton was recognized as one of the “Native American 40 under 40” by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.

Calvin Jilot is an experienced tribal leader and business executive with over eight years of service as one of nine elected members of the Chippewa Cree Tribal Council. Throughout his tenure, he has played a key role in advancing the Tribe’s governance, economic growth, and community development initiatives.

Jilot’s leadership spans multiple sectors, including gaming and casino administration, construction oversight, lending services, grant management, convenience store operations and food and beverage management. His broad expertise reflects a deep understanding of both private-sector enterprise and the unique regulatory and operational dynamics of tribal governance.

In addition to his service to the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Jilot has collaborated with numerous Tribal Nations across Indian Country, strengthening intertribal relationships and promoting sustainable economic development. He has held more than 27 Board of Director positions in a wide range of areas, including law enforcement, tribal education, construction, finance, and community governance. His past board memberships include tribal organizations, tribal colleges, and local school boards.

Recognized for his leadership and commitment to Native advancement, Jilot is a proud recipient of the “Native American 40 Under 40” award from the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED), honoring outstanding young leaders making a significant impact in Indian Country.

Mark N. Fox is the Chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes, also known as the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation (MHA Nation). He began his public service in 1985 by serving in the United States Marine Corps. After earning his law degree in 1993, he worked for the Tribal Legal Department and later began serving as the delegate for the Northeast Segment — Parshall/Lucky Mound on the Tribal Business Council. He served two terms (1994-2002) on the Tribal Business Council as Treasurer and Vice-Chairman. Opting to serve the MHA Nation in an administrative capacity, he worked as the Administrator for the Gerald Tex Fox Justice Center, before serving as Tribal Gaming Director and later the Tribal Tax Director. In 2014, he sought to serve in the only at-large position on the Tribal Business Council and was elected Chairman. Chairman Fox was re-elected in 2018 and again in 2022, currently serving his third term.

Chairman Fox is renowned for his experience and expertise in taxation, gaming, energy, and economic development. He has served on four federal agency advisory boards for the: Department of Energy (Fossil & Energy Carbon Management, National Petroleum Council, and Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group), the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as the Internal Revenue Service.
In addition, he served on the Native Nations Board; Native American Athletics Foundation; as an MHA Nation delegate for the United Tribes of North Dakota; the National Indian Gaming Commission; four-terms as Treasurer for the Indian Gaming Association; Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Intertribal Monitoring Association on Trust Funds (ITMA); Chairman of Coalition of Large Tribes (COLT); and Co-Chair of the Land and Natural Resources Committee and Chair of the Energy and Minerals Sub-Committee for the National Congress of American Indians, among other boards and organizations.

A fierce proponent of tribal sovereignty, Chairman Fox, has dedicated his administration to developing and implementing long-term economic sustainability to reduce federal dependency. Under his leadership, the MHA Nation has developed employment opportunities and increased wages to raise the standard of living for all tribal members; expanded and enhanced the tribal infrastructure and transparency in governmental affairs; and vastly raised tribal member’s assistance in the areas of health, education, and addiction recovery services.

Chairman Fox is an unwavering supporter of veterans, youth, and community development. He enjoys competing in sports and endurance events.

Sandra Knight is a distinguished tribal leader with more than 19 years of service on the Mechoopda Indian Tribe’s Tribal Council, where she currently serves as Vice Chairperson. Her long-standing commitment to the Tribe reflects a deep understanding of both governance and enterprise, and she is recognized for her steady, results-oriented leadership that has been instrumental in advancing the Tribe’s business and governmental priorities.

Since 2001, Vice Chairperson Knight has played a central role in the Tribe’s Business Development operations, where she has contributed to strategic growth initiatives and the strengthening of the Tribe’s economic foundation. Her leadership extends beyond the Mechoopda community through her dedicated service as Treasurer for the Northern Valley Tribal Health Board of Directors, where she has supported regional healthcare governance, and as a Board Member of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fee-to-Trust Consortium, where she has helped advance land and sovereignty initiatives for Tribal Nations.

Vice Chairperson Knight’s extensive experience in governance, fiscal management, and intergovernmental collaboration continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe’s progress and long-term vision for self-determination.