Governor Anoatubby named ‘Most Powerful Oklahoman’

This article appeared in the August 2017 edition of the Chickasaw Times

OKLAHOMA CITY – For the second consecutive year, Governor Bill Anoatubby has been named the “Most Powerful Oklahoman” in a 2017 statewide newspaper poll of Oklahoma leaders.

Gov. Anoatubby garnered more votes this year than 2016, reported Vicki Clark Gourley, publisher of the weekly newspaper Oklahoma City Friday. The newspaper’s home markets include north Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, The Village and outlying areas of Edmond.

“The visionary Chickasaw Governor is extremely popular, known especially for his kindness and generosity to individuals and the community as a whole, Mrs. Gourley wrote in the June 30 edition of Friday.

“He has provided the leadership and the tribal support to save virtually every worthwhile project in this state, including partnering with Oklahoma City to complete and open the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum. Many charitable and nonprofit organizations would have closed their doors during the past few years if not for the Chickasaw Nation stepping up to be the lead sponsor at fundraising events.”

Mrs. Gourley praised Gov. Anoatubby and his 30 years of leadership of the Chickasaw people.

“He has … led the Chickasaws to wealth and prominence through more than 100 tribal businesses,” she wrote. “He also emphasizes education in the 300 tribal programs, which include finance, economic development, environmental protection, health care and business.”

A total of 50 Oklahomans were selected by the newspaper as contributing talent and skills to improve Oklahoma for all citizens.

Comprising the top 10 were Gov. Anoatubby; Clay Bennett, an Oklahoma City business leader and founder of the NBA Oklahoma City Thunder; Larry Nichols, chairman emeritus of Devon Energy; Oklahoma City Mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mick Cornett; Harold Hamm, founder and chief executive officer of Continental Resources, an Oklahoma City-based energy company; U.S. Sen. James Lankford, a consistent conservative voice and junior senator from Oklahoma; David Rainbolt, executive chairman of BancFirst and a major philanthropist to worthy Oklahoma endeavors; George Kaiser, chairman of Bank of Oklahoma Financial Corp. and state philanthropist; University of Oklahoma President David Boren, a former Oklahoma governor and U.S. senator; and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, a Chickasaw citizen who represents Oklahoma’s Fourth Congressional District.