By Dana Lance, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Chickasaw Nation Bill Anoatubby was recently honored at the National Governors Association (NGA) conference in Philadelphia.
Gov. Anoatubby accepted a Distinguished Service Award from Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry and NGA Chair Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Sunday, July 13. The presentation was made during the NGA's centennial meeting. Anoatubby was feted as a private citizen for his leadership and valuable contribution to public service and state government.
"Gov. Anoatubby is a man of strong conviction, intellectual honesty and unwavering integrity," said Gov. Henry. "He has made tremendous improvements for the citizens of the Chickasaw Nation in terms of health care, education, economic development and public safety. Such achievements are a testament to his extraordinary commitment to the Chickasaw Nation as well as to the State of Oklahoma. I strongly believe he deserves this honor."
First elected governor of the Chickasaw Nation in 1987, Gov. Anoatubby has been a tireless champion for the citizens of the Chickasaw Nation and the state of Oklahoma. Gov. Anoatubby's role in many statewide initiatives has been instrumental in helping transform a historically challenging relationship between the tribes and the state. Gov. Anoatubby has overseen tremendous economic growth and development and under his leadership, the Chickasaw Nation has taken an innovative and creative approach to a wide variety of services and initiatives, including economic development, health, education and quality housing. Currently, Gov. Anoatubby serves as chairman of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority, leading fundraising efforts for an American Indian Cultural Center featuring history and culture from more than three dozen tribes native to Oklahoma.
The NGA presents eight Distinguished Service to State Government awards each year; three to state officials, three to private citizens and two for distinguished service to the arts. Gov. Anoatubby was nominated in the award's private citizen category by Gov. Henry.
Others honored include: Chris Cummiskey, chief information officer and director, Arizona Government Information Technology Agency; Lisa Webb Sharpe, director, Michigan Department of Management and Budget; Dr. Veronia C. Garcia, secretary, New Mexico Department of Education; William N. Lindsay, III, chairman, Colorado Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform; A. Scott Anderson, president and CEO, Zions First National Bank, Utah; Beverley Taylor Sorenson, founder, Art Works for Kids, Utah; and Las Artes Arts and Education Center, South Tucson, Arizona.
