Ben Shelly (1947–2023), former Navajo Nation president

Former Navajo Nation president Ben Shelly built his reputation on advocating for ambitious infrastructure projects, policies focused on public health, and for means of boosting the Navajo people’s economic status. He was perhaps best known, however, for his unplanned yet passionate speeches on these topics, a trait which helped propel him into office. He was also a business owner with a focus on transportation.