Governor Bill Anoatubby began work for the Chickasaw Nation in 1975 as its health services director. A year later, he was asked to direct its finance department. In October 1978, he was promoted to the position of special assistant to the governor and controller. In 1979, he was elected as the tribe’s first Lt. Governor. Governor Anoatubby was elected to his first term as Governor in 1987. In his first term, Governor Anoatubby established goals of economic development and self-sufficiency for the Chickasaw Nation and its people. Today, the Chickasaw Nation is well on the way to achieving those goals. In 1987, the tribe had about 250 employees. Today, the Chickasaw Nation employs more than 11,800 people. The financial condition of the tribe has been improved tremendously. Funding for tribal operations has grown exponentially. Tribal assets have grown twenty fold. Governor Anoatubby is committed to meeting the needs of Chickasaw people through programs and services. Governor Anoatubby and his wife, Janice, have two sons, Brian and Chris. Chris and his wife Becky have three children, Brendan, Eryn and Sydney. Brian and his wife Melinda have two children, Chloe and Preslea.
Educational Background: Bill Anoatubby attended public schools in Tishomingo. In 1964, he graduated from Tishomingo High School. He attended Murray State College earning an associate’s degree in business in 1970. In 1972, he completed his bachelor’s degree in accounting at East Central College. He has 18 hours of additional studies in business and finance from Southeastern State University in Durant, Okla., and from East Central University. He has taken numerous continuing education courses in management, including study from Dun and Bradstreet in financial management.
Civic and/or Community Activities
Board Positions
• Integris Health, Inc., board member
• Oklahoma Heritage Association Board of Directors, member
• Oklahoma State Fair Inc. Board of Directors, member
• Native American Cultural and Educational Authority, chairman
• Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, member
• Federal Reserve Board of Directors Oklahoma City Branch, member
• Arkansas Riverbed Authority, member
• Oklahoma Business Roundtable Board of Directors, member
• Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, member
• American Indian Graduate Center Board of Directors, member
• Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, board member