February 22, 2016 Chief Batton wins award on behalf of the Choctaw Nation
Chief Gary Batton was among 27 executives recognized as Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEOs at The Journal Record’s seventh annual event Feb. 18 at the Embassy Suites Oklahoma City Downtown/Medical Center. “This is an award for the Choctaw Nation and its citizens,” Chief Batton said. “I am receiving this gift because of my family, our ancestors, tribal members, tribal council and employees and I proudly accept it on their behalf. Yakoke.” “Chief Batton is dedicated to the Choctaw Nation and Southeastern Oklahoma,” Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. commented. “He exhibits great values and integrity. He enjoys being with people, and is as likely to join in a stickball game as he is to attend a board meeting.”
“Soon after becoming Chief, he began traveling to visit with tribal members to listen to their stories, their concerns, and celebrate their successes. I respect him greatly for his friendship, leadership and dedication,” Assistant Chief Austin said. Chief Batton’s vision for the Choctaw Nation is one of providing sustainability for generations of tribal citizens. He focuses on developing a diverse economic base for businesses that are instrumental in providing more jobs, opportunities in education, career training, and improvements in health, housing, and social services.
The Choctaw Nation is currently involved in 21 industries in 63 locations. In the last year, the Choctaw Nation has opened a large expansion to its health clinic in Poteau, broken ground on a regional clinic in Durant, and opened three new wellness centers. Other facilities and businesses opened in 2015 include two Chili’s franchises, a Travel Plaza, expansion to its resort in Durant, a community center, two food distribution centers, and a new independent living community for its elders. These openings have added much-needed jobs to southeastern Oklahoma, helping to counter the declining job rate for the rural area.
Programs are being implemented to recognize and develop leadership at several levels, and to provide assistance through reintegration and job-for-the-day programs. A recent trip to participate in a walk that retraced steps of his Choctaw ancestors who were removed from Mississippi to Indian Territory left a deep impression on Chief Batton. “It heightened our awareness of our connection to the past,” he said. “It rejuvenated a commitment to the present – to support the employees, families, tribal members and each other for the betterment of the future of the tribe.”
Following is the complete list of 2016 honorees:
Private company category: John Barrett, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Gary Batton, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Sean Bauman, IMMY Jill Castilla, Citizens Bank of Edmond Mike Fine, Fine Airport Parking C. Douglas Houston, Houston Interests Nancy Hyde, Hyde & Company CPAs Behfar Jahanshahi, InterWorks Inc. Todd Lisle, BKD CPAs & Advisors Greg Massey, First United Bank & Trust Jeffrey McDougall, JMA Energy Co. Rick Nagel, Acorn Growth Cos. Jake Nossaman, Collision Works Thompson Phillips Jr., T.S. Phillips Investments Inc. Marcus Robinson, Monscierge Dan Rotelli, BIS Mark Russell, Great Plains National Bank Mel Smith, Energy & Environmental Services Mark Towler, Phase 2 David Woods, Giant Partners Public company category: Steve Hahn, AT&T Oklahoma John Higginbotham, Bank of Oklahoma Nonprofit category: Susan Agel, Positive Tomorrows Albert Gray, The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital Lyle Kelsey, Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision Jim McCarthy, Community Health Connection Roberta Preston, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma 2016 Financial Stewardship honorees: Craig Boelte, Paycom Jeff Morton, Acorn Growth Cos. Michael Milligan, The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital