Anoatubby wins Silverheels Award

Chickasaw governor receives NCAIED’s Jay Silverheels Achievement Award

By Gale Courey ToensingThe National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development presents the Jay Silverheels Achievement Award to an outstanding American Indian individual each year during its Indian Progress in Business (INPRO) event.

The award is NCAIED's highest honor; it's given to an American Indian who has achieved personal and professional success while making significant contributions to the community. During the 34th INPRO event from Sept. 16-18 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Tulsa, Okla., the award will be given to Bill Anoatubby, the 30th governor of the Chickasaw Nation.And:In 1987, the tribe had about 250 employees. Today, the Chickasaw Nation employs more than 10,500 people in a number of diverse enterprises, including Bank2, Bedre Chocolates, KADA and KYKC radio stations and the McSwain Theatre, several gaming centers, travel plazas and tobacco stores. During Anoatubby's tenure, funding for tribal operations and services has grown exponentially, and tribal assets have grown.

Anoatubby has served on 15 boards and has been affiliated with various organizations throughout his career. He has received 21 distinguished awards since 1995.Comment:  For more on the subject, see NCAIED Celebrates 40 Under 40 and Business Summit Gives Awards.