OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has named Chickasaw Nation lawmaker and former state Rep. Lisa Billy as secretary of Native American Affairs.
Billy has served in the Chickasaw Nation Legislature since 2016 and served previously in the tribal Legislature between 1996 and 2002. She served in the Oklahoma House between 2004 and 2016 and held various leadership roles in the chamber, including majority Floor Leader from 2014 to 2016 and vice chair of the House's Republican Caucus from 2006 to 2008.
Billy formed the Oklahoma Legislature's Native America Caucus in 2006 and has been recognized for her work in the Legislature on prison reform policies.
Billy's appointment to the cabinet-level position requires Senate confirmation. She will replace former House Speaker Chris Benge, Native American Affairs secretary under former Gov. Mary Fallin.
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