By Tony Choate, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Brian Campbell is taking on a new role within the Chickasaw Nation, Governor Bill Anoatubby announced today. Campbell, 43, has served as CEO of the Commerce Division for the past 5 ½ years – a time when the Division built Riverwind Casino in Norman, OK and tripled the size of WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, OK, making it one of the five largest casinos in the world.
In March 2009, Campbell will become Chief Officer for Strategic Development for the Nation. His duties will entail full-time monitoring and strategic development of federal and state legislation as well as gaming policies and other issues important to the Chickasaw Nation. Campbell will also focus on economic development strategies that continue to diversify the tribe’s portfolio of businesses.
Governor Anoatubby has selected Bill G. Lance, Jr., Administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Health System, to take over as CEO of the Commerce Division.
“Our Commerce Division has experienced tremendous growth and success under Brian’s direction.” said Governor Anoatubby. “During his tenure, much of Brian’s attention was focused on national and regulatory issues affecting our businesses and I believe these areas now deserve his full attention. We need Brian’s expertise and leadership in these regulatory areas which are important to the economic health of our Nation. “
Campbell has been employed by the Nation for 14 years and previously served as the Director of Economic Development, the Administrator for Treasury, Education, and Commerce Divisions. In the commerce roles, Campbell was involved in the development of Solara Healthcare and Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc., as well as the development of a comprehensive corporate infrastructure for Chickasaw Enterprises. This included the streamlining and automation of all business processes with new technology systems, as well as the creation of environmental services and construction development departments within the Commerce Division.
In his role as CEO, Campbell had oversight of 58 commercial businesses which are owned and operated by the Nation. These businesses include two of Oklahoma’s largest casinos – Riverwind and WinStar World – hotels, restaurants, retail travel plazas, tobacco stores, technology and health care entities, a family entertainment center, chocolate factory, radio stations, and a newspaper. During Campbell’s tenure, tribal business operations have seen a dramatic increase in gross and net revenues and have grown from 1,750 employees to approximately 10,000 in the past five years. Campbell also initiated and led multiple commerce missions to explore and establish business relationships with companies in China and Taiwan.
“It has been an incredible opportunity to work in such a dynamic environment,” said Campbell. “But I attribute the growth and success of our businesses to Gov. Anoatubby’s vision and leadership, combined with a talented staff of Chief Officers and thousands of dedicated employees. As I move into my new role, I am confident of the continued success of the Commerce Division under the guidance of Gov. Anoatubby and Bill Lance.”
Campbell will continue to consult on the business operations of the Commerce Division for several months after Lance takes over. He will also continue to serve as Chairman of the Board for Solara Healthcare, board member of the Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc; board member of Chickasaw Tribal Utility Authority; Board Chairman of Global Gaming Enterprises, an entity focused on developing gaming facilities outside the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation and Board Chairman of RSE, a new real estate investment company recently established by the Nation.
