Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby announced his retirement June 8 after nearly 40 years as governor and more than 50 years of service to the Chickasaw Nation.
Anoatubby began his career with the tribe in 1975 as health services director, was elected the first lieutenant governor in 1979 and became governor in 1987. During his tenure, the Chickasaw Nation grew from about 250 employees and an $11 million operating budget to nearly 15,000 employees with an economic impact exceeding $8 billion. The nation now operates more than 100 businesses that help fund nearly 400 programs and services.
“After much thought and prayer, it is time to transition to the next generation of capable Chickasaw leaders,” Anoatubby said in a statement.
Under the Chickasaw Constitution, Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby will be sworn in as governor following Gov. Anoatubby’s resignation. This article was published on June 17, before the resignation officially went into effect on June 26.
Chris Anoatubby has served the Chickasaw Nation for nearly 30 years in a variety of leadership roles, including chief pharmacist, health care executive and commerce and health department administrator. He was first elected lieutenant governor in 2019 and reelected in 2023.
Bill Anoatubby expressed confidence in the leadership team and said he expects a smooth transition as the Chickasaw Nation continues pursuing its long-term vision and goals.
Gary Batton, Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma released the following statement following Gov. Anoatubby’s retirement announcement.
“Gov. Anoatubby’s impact on the Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma and all tribes in our state has been immeasurable,” Batton said. “It has been an honor and a joy to work with him over the years, and I’m grateful to call him a friend. He has helped people understand the value and importance of tribal sovereignty and has been a role model for tribes seeking to expand their business activities to provide more services to their members and communities. His vision and leadership, along with his kindness and compassion, will live on and not be forgotten. We are confident in Chris Anoatubby’s abilities to continue moving the Chickasaw Nation in a positive direction, and we look forward to continuing our work on shared goals and priorities.”