fifth-generation Health, Lance was instrumental A Oklahoman and member in securing the funding and of the Chickasaw Nation, overseeing construction of the Bill G. Lance, Jr. grew up in new Chickasaw Nation Medical Sulphur—the community he Center in Ada. PHO still calls home. He is known Lance recalled, “I had a T for his sound character, business great conversation with the O B Y acumen, and a strong sense of Governor about the Joint Venture CREEL purpose—delivering sustainable Construction Program, it’s a M CF bene昀椀ts to the Chickasaw people competitive grant through Indian ARLAND and the broader community. Health Services, and described | A standout football player, to him that if we could get the LIMERICK Lance was named District Player agency to amend their policy S of the Year and to the All-Region to allow an in-patient facility to TUDIO team before graduating and apply and compete for that grant, . earning his bachelors degree at I felt like we had a great chance East Central University. With of winning that grant because BILL LANCE a masters degree in Public of our team and the need in SULPHUR Health from the University of our community, especially our Oklahoma’s College of Public Native American population. We started working Congress and IHS [Indian Health Service] amended those rules to allow an in-patient hospital to apply to that construction program—the 昀椀rst time they had ever amended those rules . . . ever.” The state- of-the art, 370,000-square-foot health facility opened in August of 2010 and has been serving the community since. Lance was the longest- serving Secretary of Commerce in Chickasaw Nation history, managing more than 60-tribal- owned entities, and served as administrator of the tribal health system before being named the Nation’s 昀椀rst Secretary of State in 2022. Lance has seen 昀椀rsthand how gaming, entertainment, and hospitality have transformed tribal economies, resulting in a Bill Lance, right, was presented for induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame by Gov. Bill Anoatubby. PHOTO BY CREEL MCFARLAND | LIMERICK STUDIO. 24