THACKERVILLE, OK – Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby introduced Nancy Howell as the 2023 Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year during the annual Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Women Conference, held at WinStar Resort and Convention Center.
“This award pays tribute to a Chickasaw woman who has inspired, given hope, or opened new opportunities or possibilities for others through her example,” said Chickasaw Governor Anoatubby. “Women have had important roles throughout the history of the Chickasaw Nation, and we have long valued the strength that they bring, the wisdom that they have and leadership that they provide.”
Howell, a Chickasaw citizen from Central High, OK, has dedicated her life and career to safety and public service. As an emergency medical technician (EMT) and firefighter instructor, Howell’s influence extends beyond the classroom. Through the curriculum she teaches and develops, she assists and ensures that firefighters and EMTs – from volunteer, municipal and industry departments statewide – are prepared to save lives and property.
Widely known as an authority in her field, she serves as a subject matter expert for both the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training Program.
“We appreciate Nancy’s dedication and service, and we honor her as the 2023 Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year,” said Governor Anoatubby.
Howell’s decades of community service began as a volunteer with the local Red Cross, teaching safety classes and swimming lessons. She started her career as first responder at Kirk’s Emergency Service in 1988 and later became a Central High volunteer firefighter.
Howell began teaching EMT training in 1992, and in 2000, was instrumental in developing the EMT and firefighter course that is taught in the Oklahoma technology centers today. Howell’s program at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, OK, was the first in the state and among the first in the U.S. Her instruction and courses are used to train numerous fellow firefighters and instructors across the state, increasing the aptitude and preparedness of Oklahoma’s fire departments, and in turn, creating safer communities.
“I am so proud to be Chickasaw,” said Howell. “The important thing to me is community and giving back to the community as a volunteer. I am a volunteer firefighter. I volunteer in my community and teach at a technology center that gives back to the community by offering free classes for the volunteers.”
