Lillian Sparks Robinson, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, is interim director of the Native American Contractors Association. She has worked in Washington DC for nearly 20 years and has dedicated her career to helping educate her Native American students, protecting Indigenous rights, and strengthening tribal communities.

In 2010, Sparks Robinson was appointed by President Obama to be the Director of the American Native American Service (ANA) and confirmed by the Senate. In her role, she worked on programs and policies affecting Native language and education, social development, and economic development for Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Prior to ANA, Sparks Robinson served as executive director of the National Indian Educational Association, where she worked extensively on education policy and budgets affecting American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.

A former staff attorney for the National Congress of American Indians, Sparks Robinson has received numerous awards and recognition, including being recognized as one of seven Native American Young Leaders. USA Today magazine, Recognized as one of the “40 Under 40” by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, she was named American Indian Woman of the Year.