"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Council Welcomes Carson Back as CNB Board Member

Brad Carson, former CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is presented a special Pendleton blanket representing military service by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith and Bobbie Gail Smith. Carson was recognized for his service in Iraq.

TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council welcomed back former Chief Executive Officer of Cherokee Nation Businesses Brad Carson by unanimously passing a resolution naming him to the CNB Board of Directors during the monthly meeting of the Council Monday night in Tahlequah.

“Brad brings tremendous experience and insight from his business and Congressional tenure,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “He will be a welcome addition to the CNB Board of Directors.”

Carson, who had been serving as the CEO of the company, was in the U.S. Navy Reserves when he was called to active duty in 2008 and deployed to Iraq. CNB serves as an “economic engine” for the tribe with companies in the gaming, hospitality, personnel services, distribution, manufacturing, telecommunications and environmental services industries with combined yearly revenues of nearly $500 million. The company strives to build industries in Cherokee communities so Cherokees don't have to leave the area for better jobs. CNB and its subsidiaries employ more than 4,000 people, making the company the fourteenth largest employer in Oklahoma.

The Council also passed an act that provides benefits for the tribe’s judicial arm of government. Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justices and District Court Judges will be entitled to health insurance, retirement and other benefits that are offered to other elected and appointed officials of the Cherokee Nation.

The Council also passed an act to set forth parameters for the Executive and Legislative Branch to collaboratively approve funding requests for donations and contributions.

"Donations and contributions from the Nation to area non-profits are made to improve the quality of life for Cherokee citizens and our neighbors. Positive partnerships between the Nation and other service organizations that share common goals make for a better Oklahoma,” said Cara Cowan-Watts, Tribal Council Member for the Will Rogers District in Rogers County.

In addition, the Council passed an act increasing the tribe’s annual budget by more than $6.6 million to a total of $543,647,945. Increases included more than $5.6 million of economic stimulus funding for the child care program, roof replacement and other upgrades at Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital and more than $886,000 related to capital project funding for the Vinita Health Clinic and Male Seminary Administrative parking lot.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Council will be Monday, January 11, at 6 p.m. in the Tribal Council Chambers at the Cherokee Nation complex south of Tahlequah.