Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby has announced he will retire June 26, ending a nearly 40-year tenure as governor and more than 50 years of service to the Chickasaw Nation.
Anoatubby said he made the decision after prayer and discussions with his family and believes it is time for a new generation of leaders to guide the tribe forward.
“Serving the Chickasaw people has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life,” Anoatubby said. “I am deeply grateful for the trust and support our citizens have placed in our administration as we worked to strengthen opportunities and enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people.”
Anoatubby began his career with the Chickasaw Nation in 1975 as health services director. He was elected as the tribe’s first lieutenant governor in 1979 and was first elected governor in 1987. He has since been elected to 10 terms, making him the longest-serving governor in Chickasaw Nation history.
During his tenure, the Chickasaw Nation grew from approximately 250 employees and an $11 million operating budget to nearly 15,000 employees and an economic impact exceeding $8 billion. The tribe also expanded its business holdings and now operates more than 100 businesses across a variety of industries, helping fund hundreds of programs and services for Chickasaw citizens.
“After much thought and prayer, it is time to transition to the next generation of capable Chickasaw leaders,” Anoatubby said.
Under the Chickasaw Nation Constitution, Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby will become governor when Bill Anoatubby’s resignation takes effect at noon on June 26.
The governor expressed confidence in the tribe’s leadership team and in Chris Anoatubby’s ability to lead the Chickasaw Nation into the future.
“The leadership of our tribe is strong and extensive, and I look forward to celebrating the many milestones achieved by the Chickasaw Nation in years to come,” Anoatubby said.
Chris Anoatubby has served the Chickasaw Nation for nearly 30 years and has been lieutenant governor since 2019. Prior to that role, he served in a variety of leadership positions within the tribe, including chief pharmacist, president of Sovereign Medical Solutions and deputy secretary of health.
