ADA- The Chickasaw Nation announces the recent appointment Alexandria (Colbert) Billings, of Sulphur, as Ambulatory Services director and Sparks resident Keith Welsh as Chickasaw Nation Cultural Center facilities director.
"The addition of these two highly-qualified individuals to key positions in health care and the Chickasaw Cultural Center, will enhance our ability to provide quality programs and services to Chickasaw citizens and the community," said Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby.
"Both Mrs. Billings and Mr. Welsh are well experienced in their fields and bring a wealth of knowledge to their new positions."
Named to the position of Ambulatory Services director of the Division of Health in April, Billings works to coordinate dental and optometric services for Native Americans in anticipation of moving into the new Chickasaw Nation Medical Center.
"We will strive to provide more efficient services to patients and improve the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people as we transition into the new Chickasaw Nation Medical Center," Billings said.
Prior to being named to the new position, Billings worked as program manager for the Office of Strategic Planning in the tribal Division of Self-Governance. She started her career with the Chickasaw Nation in the Division of Health in 2004.
After graduating from Sulphur High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma and is currently a student at the OU Health Science Center, working toward a Master's degree in Public Health.
Billings lives near Sulphur with her husband, Josh, and their daughter, Ella.
She is the daughter of Scott and Sherri Colbert, also of Sulphur.
Keith Welsh brings more than 40 years experience in construction, design and inspection to the Cultural Center facilities director position. In his new position, he will oversee building maintenance, upkeep of all audio, video and communication equipment, and grounds keeping of the Cultural Center.
He spent the past five years as Construction Project Manager for the Cultural Center, so he knows the 109-acre campus well.
"I am looking forward to the doors opening so we can share with this facility with everyone. There is no facility like it in the world; the Chickasaw Nation is setting the standard, once again."
Welsh envisions the Cultural Center becoming a destination point on a global scale.
The Chickasaw Cultural Center is expected to open later this year.
He lives in Sparks, Okla. with his wife, Karla. The couple has four children and seven grandchildren.
