Last April, I had the privilege to talk with Michell Hicks at the Native American Finance Officers Association’s (NAFOA) 33rd annual conference in Austin. Mr. Hicks, who at that time was the principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), was honored at the conference as the 2015 Tribal Leader of the Year.
That award is presented to leaders in Indian Country who “display foresight and resolve in the economic advancement of his or her nation.” Check out my blog post from last year here and read about his leadership roles at EBCI, the only federally recognized tribe in North Carolina.
I was happy to see Mr. Hicks has been in the news again recently. He has been appointed to serve on the Tribal Board of Advisors of TFA Capital Partners. Check out the story here. He was also featured as an alum in Western Carolina University’s magazine for alumni, faculty, staff, friends and students of the university. Read more about his accomplishments while in office here.
Congratulations, Mr. Hicks, on your efforts to continue serving the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians!