Lisa John Appointed Administrator of Chickasaw Division of History and Culture

ADA, Okla. – Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby announced that he has appointed Lisa John as administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of History and Culture. Ms. John has been employed with the Chickasaw Nation since 1994 and has served as division administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Education since 2005.

“We are confident that Lisa John will do an excellent job leading the division of history and culture,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “She understands the importance of embracing our history and culture, she has the experience and expertise needed to continue effectively educating others about our culture for generations to come.”

As administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Education, Ms. John oversaw child care, Head Start, numerous education services and support programs, and vocational rehabilitation. She worked to develop additional Chickasaw language programs for children and incorporate the Chickasaw language into the design of the Child Care Center.

As administrator of the division of history and culture, Ms. John will oversee the Chickasaw Cultural Center, museums and libraries, Chickasaw language programs, cultural resources, and the Chickasaw Horticulture Department.

Ms. John said she is “very thankful” that Governor Anoatubby had the confidence to appoint her to this position.

“Our culture and history is important because it tells who we are and it unifies us as a people. It makes us a family,” said Ms. John. “We can’t lose sight of what our ancestors did for us and how the Chickasaw people today are paving the road for generations to come. I am honored to have the opportunity to promote the rich culture and history of the Chickasaw people.”    

Prior to her appointment as administrator of the Division of Education, she served as administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Self-Governance from 2001 to 2005. As administrator of self-governance, she helped oversee the development of the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department.

Ms. John graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1991 and a master's degree in public administration in 2007.

Ms. John is involved in organizations such as Oklahoma Center for Non-profits, Oklahoma Champions for Early Opportunities, Ada City Schools Foundation, National Indian Education Association, Chickasaw Nation Head Start Governing Board, the American Association of Public Administrators and was appointed by Governor Brad Henry to the Oklahoma Advisory Council on Indian Education.