Title: Institute Scholars
Location: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
I have worked in the health field most of my career, specifically with American Indians/Alaskan Natives. In my current position I am able to engage with tribes on a national level. My father was a Vietnam Vet and this inspired me to work for Native veterans.
Biography
David “Clay” Ward currently works as a Program Analyst for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Tribal Government Relations, where he engages with tribal governments to facilitate tribal consultation on policies and decisions impacting AI/AN tribes. Clay holds a Master of Science in human resources and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. After attending the Johns Hopkins Institute Research Ethics course, David hopes to complete the Certificate Program at Johns Hopkins, and has considered applying to an MPH program. He plans to go back to Indian Country or his own tribe, Choctaw Nation to get into Healthcare Administration or administer a hospital or clinic, until then he will continue to serve the AI/AN communities on a large scale through public health policy.