ADA, OK – Scott Wood took his oath of office as Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. He succeeds former Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby, who was sworn in as Governor after 10 consecutive term Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby resigned the office effective June 26.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Chris Anoatubby and Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby expressed confidence in Lt. Governor Wood’s skills and dedication to the Chickasaw people.
“Through his support of programs and services that lift up our elders and youth, Scott Wood has shown that he prioritizes the Chickasaw people above all in his duties as a legislator for more than a decade,” said Governor Chris Anoatubby. “As a leader, he has been responsive to the Chickasaw people’s needs, and he has the initiative and drive to help guide the Chickasaw Nation to continued prosperity. The Chickasaw Nation is poised to continue our path to cultural revitalization and advancement for years to come.”
“Scott Wood has the leadership qualities, education, experience and knowledge necessary to help move the Chickasaw Nation forward in our mission,” said Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby. “As part of the team charged with leading the Chickasaw Nation to ongoing success, along with Governor Chris Anoatubby, Lt. Governor Scott Wood will be a stalwart advocate of the tribe’s people and interests.”
Lt. Governor Wood has served as a legislator since he was elected in 2012. He served as the Chickasaw Nation Legislature’s secretary from 2018 to 2020. He was elected its chairman from 2020 to 2022.
“Thank you for believing in me and our team, and I want to say there is no one more qualified than Governor Chris Anoatubby to lead us,” said Lt. Governor Wood. “I always tell people when they ask me about my job as a legislator – I always tell them it’s the greatest job in the world. It’s an honor and a privilege to be an elected official because we get to serve Chickasaw people, and that’s what I love doing. I love to see Chickasaw people do well and our nation thrive, so I look forward to this new journey because I’m going to do the same thing, but just in a different capacity.”
The Chickasaw Nation Legislature consented to Lt. Governor Wood’s appointment. Legislator David Woerz, Pickens District, made the motion to approve and Legislator Lisa Johnson Billy, Pontotoc District, seconded the action and the resolution was unanimously approved in the specially called session.
Chickasaw Nation Legislature Chairperson Connie Barker spoke of Lt. Governor Wood’s dedication to citizens in his work as a legislator. “Scott has long served the Chickasaw people well and has worked to improve their lives. He will continue to put Chickasaw people first in his role as Lt. Governor,” said Barker.
Lt. Governor Wood dedicated his time as a legislator to upholding programs and services that enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people. He supported legislation aimed at bolstering the well-being of the youth and elderly, recognizing their integral role in ensuring the future prosperity of the Chickasaw Nation.
