By Tony Choate, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, was awarded the Leadership Award for Public Service by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), for his outstanding dedication to economic development in the public sector. The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Monday, September 27 during the IEDC Annual Conference, in Columbus, Ohio.
"The Leadership Award for Public Service honors an elected official who has served as an indefatigable champion for economic development for at least 10 years in the public sector, and Gov. Anoatubby--much to the benefit of the communities he has served--is the very embodiment of just such an person," said William Best, IEDC chair.
First elected as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1987, Governor Bill Anoatubby is currently serving his sixth term. When he first took office, the Chickasaw Nation had 250 employees and an $11 million annual budget. Today, there are 11,500 employees and capital outlays of more than $750 million annually. Radio stations, a chocolate factory, a natural gas station, and the construction of a $147 million hospital are just a few of the projects that have emerged under Governor Anoatubby's leadership. He also created a tribally-owned corporation that, in late 2009, purchased Remington Park - a racetrack and casino in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Partnerships with the University of Oklahoma, Murray State College, East Central University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University have proven to be quite dynamic. Teamwork between the Chickasaw Nation and these institutions include the creation of a Native American Studies program, improvements in sports and recreation facilities and an endowed chair in diabetes research.
Governor Anoatubby's leadership has resulted in the Chickasaw Nation becoming one of the first tribal governments in the United States to be certified as an A-102 tribe, a designation that carries superior ratings for management and fiscal controls. The nation's economic self-sufficiency has made it easier for the government to provide for citizens without relying on federal funds.
Governor Anoatubby's civic involvement includes serving on the boards of Integris Health, Inc., Oklahoma Heritage Association, Oklahoma State Fair Inc., Leadership Oklahoma, Federal Reserve Board of Directors Oklahoma City Branch, Oklahoma Business Roundtable, Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce, American Indian Graduate Center and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. He is also chairman of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority and a member of the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes and the Arkansas Riverbed Authority.
Because of his undying mission to create a diversified economy and a better life for the citizens of the Chickasaw Nation, the International Economic Development Council is honored to bestow the Leadership for Public Service Award upon Governor Bill Anoatubby.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the premier membership organization dedicated to helping economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,500 members, IEDC represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world. IEDC provides a diverse range of services, including conferences, certification, professional development, publications, research, advisory services and legislative tracking.
