Aneva J. Yazzie

Aneva Jean Yazzie is an American and Navajo industrial engineer who served as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Navajo Housing Authority (NHA) from 2007 to 2017. She took leadership of the agency as it faced federal investigations and internal turmoil. Her tenure was marked by widely reported struggles to spend federal funds and low rates of new home construction, which drew scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). She resigned in 2017 following critical investigative reports from The Arizona Republic and U.S. senator John McCain.

A graduate of New Mexico State University, Yazzie's career in housing and facilities management spanned over 45 years. Before leading the NHA, she worked for the federal government, including HUD and the U.S. Department of the Interior, and as a private consultant. After her time as CEO, Yazzie served as the NHA's deputy chief executive officer until her retirement in 2024.

Early life and education Aneva Jean Yazzie is from Bááhazł'ah (Bahastł'ah). Her parents were Harry H. Yazzie and Marie Yazzie. She served as secretary of her sophomore class and was involved in activities including National Honor Society, girls basketball, track, T Club, Photo Club, and cross country. She called the position a "dream" and an opportunity to return to the reservation. Her predecessor had resigned during a federal investigation, over a dozen major projects were described as "in chaos," and the HUD inspector general was cracking down on misappropriations, delays, and shoddy workmanship.

Departure as CEO In December 2016, The Arizona Republic published a six-part series alleging mismanagement and squandered funds at the NHA. Board members stated Yazzie had originally planned to leave in October 2017. Upon her departure as CEO, Yazzie was to "continue in a transitional support role" reporting to the board. She commented to Farmington Daily Times, "We gave it our best. At the end of the day, that is all we can do."

Post-CEO and retirement Yazzie served as the deputy chief executive officer of the NHA. In April 2024, she retired from this position and was recognized by the Navajo Nation's Resources and Development Committee (RDC) for 13 years of dedication. RDC Chairperson Brenda Jesus praised Yazzie's advocacy for the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) and HUD. Delegate Otto Tso commended her persistence with the federal government, and delegate Danny Simpson admired her accomplishments, including "the new 18 homes."

Personal life Upon her retirement in 2024, Yazzie announced plans to move to Phoenix, Arizona to be close to her first grandchild.