Shawn Pensoneau is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in intergovernmental and legislative affairs, focusing on advancing Native American initiatives at the federal, tribal, and organizational levels. Currently, he serves with the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), where he leads strategic engagement with Congress, tribal governments, and federal agencies to support the Indian gaming industry and tribal sovereignty.

Before his current role, he held key leadership positions, including Assistant Administrator for the Office of Native American Affairs at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and as a Project Management Executive with Strongbow Strategies, LLC, advancing Native American interests. In these roles, he championed Native American entrepreneurship, economic development, and policy initiatives that foster growth and sustainability within Native communities.

Shawn’s extensive background also includes work with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), where he focused on public affairs, housing advocacy, and tribal engagement.