Bill Lance inducted into Oklahoma Hall of Fame

This article appeared in the January 2024 edition of the Chickasaw Times

NORMAN, Okla. – Bill G. Lance, Chickasaw Nation Secretary of State, was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Nov. 16 during the 96th annual Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, conducted at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby, an Oklahoma Hall of Fame member, presented Secretary Lance’s induction.

“Throughout our history, the Chickasaw Nation has been fortunate to have exceptional leaders, resilient individuals who have devoted their lives to the betterment of our people,” Governor Anoatubby said.

“Bill has been a visionary leader who skillfully reimagined and reengineered our business structure and oversaw the expansion of our commerce department into a substantial business enterprise. He has been instrumental in the growth and prosperity of this nation, the Chickasaw Nation and the state of Oklahoma.”

Governor Anoatubby said Secretary Lance’s inspiring leadership has been marked by innovation and groundbreaking initiatives that have transformed the Chickasaw Nation's landscape, creating extraordinary health care, manufacturing, hospitality, gaming, and entertainment businesses and enterprises, providing thousands of jobs in Oklahoma.

“Beyond Bill’s professional achievements, I admire his solid character, unbendable integrity and caring spirit. A shining example to all, he is a master bridge-builder, embodying the words ‘united we thrive.’

“He's a true pillar of the Chickasaw Nation and the state of Oklahoma, and I'm proud to call him my dear friend and colleague.

“I am honored to present a Chickasaw from Murray County, Bill Lance, for induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame,” Governor Anoatubby said.

The first-ever Chickasaw Nation Secretary of State, Lance is a fifth generation Oklahoman. Before being named Secretary of State in 2022, he was the longest-serving Secretary of Commerce in Chickasaw Nation history and served as administrator of the tribal health system.

During his tenure, Secretary Lance oversaw a period of expansion in tribal commerce activity, a powerful growth of commercial revenue and net income, and the opening of the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada, Oklahoma.

“It's been my honor to serve Governor Anoatubby and the Chickasaw people for over 25 years,” Secretary Lance said during his induction.

“As a Chickasaw citizen, Oklahoman and proud ambassador for Murray County, I'm incredibly humbled to be recognized alongside Oklahomans who have shaped their state and left an indelible mark on its future.”

He thanked his family, including wife, Sherri; daughter, Kaytee; sons, Kendall and Bryeson; daughters-in-law, Erica and Kayla; and granddaughters, KJ, Quinn and Sloan, for their unwavering support, wisdom and enthusiasm.

“My family's roots in Sulphur and Murray County run deep. The spring water has flowed through my family for generations. My mother, Glenda Hamilton, told me stories of my great-grandmother's love for the healing waters of the Sulphur springs. Lenora Brown Elmore believed in the powers of the Sulphur springs, drinking the water daily until she passed in 1960,” Secretary Lance said.

“I'm grateful to be a part of this remarkable community. My induction into the Hall of Fame reflects the enduring spirit of my Chickasaw heritage and my roots in Sulphur and Murray County and Oklahoma. This honor symbolizes our collective strength in unity, transcending individual achievements. I accept this award with a profound sense of humility, recognizing that it represents the spirit of the many people who have helped shape my path. Chokma'shki. Thank you,” he said.

Secretary Lance represents the Chickasaw Nation on community and corporate boards, including the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and the American Gaming Association, and lends his talent to regional, statewide and charitable causes as well.

His honors include being a Global Achievement Honoree by Sister Cities Oklahoma City International and induction to the Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business.

He received his bachelor’s degree from East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma, and his Master of Public Health degree from the University of Oklahoma. He is an American College of Healthcare Executives fellow and a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma XXIV.

He serves on the board of trustees of the University of Oklahoma Foundation and the Chickasaw Foundation. He is a University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma regent. He also serves on the boards of Global Gaming Solutions LLC, Sovereign Nations Holdco LLC and Chickasaw Nation Industries.

He and his wife, Sherri, live in Sulphur, Oklahoma.

Hall of Fame membership is the highest honor that can be bestowed on an Oklahoman. Governor Anoatubby was inducted in 2004.

In addition to Secretary Lance, inductees and presenters include Dwight Adams, presented by W. Roger Webb; Citizen Potawatomi Nation Chairman John A. “Rocky” Barrett, presented by Brad Henry; Judith James, presented by Jane Jayroe Gamble; J Mays, presented by Helen Ford Wallace; Barry Pollard, presented by Todd Lamb; Madeline Manning Mims, presented by John Jackson; and posthumous honoree Mary Golda Ross, the first First American female aerospace engineer, was also inducted.

“Our state’s highest honor goes deservedly to these Oklahomans who apply their talents and intellect to reach for more,” said Shannon L. Rich, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. “Each honoree is an inspiring ambassador of the pioneer spirit we so admire and need today.”

More than 900 people gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the inductees.

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame has 738 inductees. Portraits of the newest inductees are on display at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gallery, 1400 Classen Drive, Oklahoma City.

About the Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells Oklahoma’s story through its people. From diverse statewide programming to the historic Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the organization creates an enhanced sense of pride for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor extraordinary Oklahomans and to provide educational programming for students of all ages. Induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is recognized as Oklahoma’s highest honor. For more information, visit OklahomaHOF.com.