Bill Lance has accomplished a lot of things in his life and career.
Accolades too many to count. New ideas pioneered towards huge success. Unprecedented leadership of a tribal nation across the state of Oklahoma.
And last fall, Lance added a new chapter to his storybook career, as he was inducted into the prestigious Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
But perhaps nothing means as much as the thing that was true before all of the notoriety - being Chickasaw.
“From a young age, I was deeply connected to the Chickasaw values and traditions,” Lance said. “While I might not have envisioned the exact path my career has taken, the desire to serve and contribute to the betterment of the Chickasaw nation has always been a guiding force in my life.”
“It’s a privilege to give back to the community that has given me so much.”
Lance joined Gov. BillAnoatubby (2004) as the most recent Chickasaw to be inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
Since its inception in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame has inducted 730 individuals. This includes the most recent inductees from the class of 2023. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished Oklahomans for their lifetime achievements and contributions to the state.
Other members of the Chickasaw Nation inducted include congressman Tom Cole, ambassador Neal McCaleb, astronaut John Harrington, and Mike Larson.
The lifelong Sulphur resident has had a unique journey to arrive at his current position, Secretary of State, but no matter the role, he kept his heritage and roots planted as the footing of his focus and success.
“As I said in my comments at the ceremony, my induction reflects the enduring spirit of my Chickasaw heritage and my roots in Sulphur and Murray County,” he said. “I believe it symbolizes our community’s collective strength and unity and transcends any individual achievement. These are not my achievements alone but those of our entire community.”
His knowledge of the Chickasaw Nation is impressive, as he harkens back to generations in his family and the stories they told “For me, this connection is deeply personal,” he said. “My family has been part of this land for generations. The Lance family hails from Dougherty. I remember the stories my mother told me of my Chickasaw great grandmother, who lived near the Sulphur springs in the area. She believed deeply in the healing powers of the waters. Her beliefs and those stories are a significant part of my connection to our cultural heritage and history.”
Before taking on his new role as Secretary of State in 2022, Lance served as the Secretary of Commerce, completely revitalizing the nation’s impact on the economy across the state.
Under the leadership of Lance, the Chickasaw Nation saw its annual net income more than triple and 7,000 new jobs created.
Before that, Lance was the lead administrator for the nation’s health system, which saw similar progress, including the opening of a 370,000 square-foot medical center in Ada in 2010.
As Lance made the switch from healthcare to commerce, he stayed at arm’s length with Anoatubby and kept his vision centered around one thing - the people.
“When Governor Anoatubby entrusted me to lead the Commerce Department of the Chickasaw Nation, my vision then, as it had been during my time in the Chickasaw Nation Health System, was to follow the lead and vision of Governor Anoatubby to the best of my ability,” he said.
“I simply wanted to lead our team and employees to execute on his vision to do all we can to positively impact the lives of the Chickasaw people and surrounding communities.”
Lance was thankful to get his start in healthcare, as he learned the values needed for his future roles, while also connecting deeply with his fellow community.
“Working in healthcare and being involved in the establishment of the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center taught me invaluable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the power of community-driven solutions,” he said. “It prepared me for future challenges by reinforcing the importance of listening to the community’s needs and responding with compassion and action.
While that time period was certainly impactful to the nation, it was also deeply significant for Lance, as he recalls that era as one of his most fond, citing the advancements made in healthcare that touched many different lives.
“Because I was involved initially in our health care system, I’m proud of the advancements we’ve made in our healthcare facilities and services within the Chickasaw Nation, ensuring better access and quality of care for our people,” he said.
The impact Lance made in his role leading the commerce department was similar, as it paved a way for the future of the Chickasaw Nation.
“I am also honored to have been at the helm of the Commerce Department during its exponential growth and business diversification efforts as envisioned by Governor,” he said. “These initiatives have not only strengthened our community but also secured a vibrant future for our next generations.”
Lance feels his success is tied to his purpose, one that is rooted in servant leadership and helping people with the same heritage as his.
“My keys to success have been a strong sense of purpose, a commitment to service to the Chickasaw Nation, and the ability to surround myself with a team who are dedicated to Governor Anoatubby’s mission of positively impacting the lives of the Chickasaw people,” he said.
Lance’s relationship with Anoatubby is one he holds dearly, as the two have worked together so closely over the last few decades, it’s certainly fitting that they hold each other’s company in such a select group.
“There is no better role model for servant leadership than Governor Anoatubby,” Lance said. “Certainly, my leadership style has been shaped by him as I have been privileged to work under his leadership and vision for many years. His example of humility, service, and courage inspire me to be a leader who serves first and leads second, always putting the needs of our people at the forefront.”
“I would not be where I am today without the faith that Governor put in me early on and throughout my career, nor without the trust and support of my team and my family. I could not have asked for a better leader to serve under than Governor Anoatubby. I have so much respect for all he has done for our tribe.”
Lance and Anoatubby fit together like puzzle pieces, as they leaned on each other’s strengths to build the Chickasaw Nation into what its become today.
“We’ve worked together by leveraging our strengths — his strategic vision and my understanding of building teams and executing on that strategy,” Lance said. “This synergy has been pivotal in driving forward initiatives that have significantly contributed to the progress of our Nation.”
Much of the work that Lance and the Chickasaw Nation has done means even more, as the progress can be seen all over the area he’s called home for most of his life.
“The work we’ve done in Sulphur, Murray County and south central Oklahoma is a reflection of our community’s heart and resilience,” he said. “It’s a legacy that goes beyond my individual contribution, one that I hope will continue to grow and inspire future generations. This impact is a source of great personal pride, not for the accolades it brings, but for the difference it makes in the lives of the Chickasaw people and our surrounding communities.”
Lance’s impact to his community and statewide goes beyond the Chickasaw Nation, as well.
He is heavily involved in numerous non-profit organizations, including serving on the board of OU Health and the Chickasaw Foundation.
“My involvement in the non-profit sector has been a deeply fulfilling aspect of my life, driven by a passion for service and a commitment to creating positive change,” said Lance. “What I am most proud of is the opportunity to extend a helping hand to broader communities and under-served populations, offering them a safety net that they might not have otherwise. This work, to me, is not just a duty but a privilege – a way to give back and make a meaningful difference in the world.”
All the while, Lance is quick to deflect the recognition that comes his way, citing it back to what he’s helped the Nation accomplished — together.
“While personal accolades are gratifying and humbling, I measure success by the positive changes we’ve brought about for the Nation,” he said. “The true sense of accomplishment lies in the ongoing work we do every day to uplift and empower Chickasaw people.”
However, Lance does recognize how special being inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is and what it represents.
“Being inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is an incredibly humbling experience,” Lance said. “It’s not just a recognition of my work but a testament to the collective effort and spirit of the people of Sulphur and Murray County and Chickasaw Nation. This honor belongs to everyone who has worked alongside me and our team to make our community stronger and more resilient.”
As he digs his feet into his new role as Secretary of State, he can’t help but continue to look ahead towards continued progress and collaboration among tribal nations “I want to foster greater sense of unity and collaboration between the Chickasaw Nation and the tribal nations here in Oklahoma and beyond,” Lance said. “I also want to foster that same sense of collaboration with local and state leaders who want what is best for all Oklahomans.”
No matter what the next decade looks like for Lance, the natural driving force that led to garnering an award such as the Hall of Fame will continue to remain present - his pride as a Chickasaw.
“Being a Chickasaw citizen is about belonging to a community with a rich cultural heritage and a shared history. It’s a profound connection to our land, traditions, and ancestors,” he said.
“As a citizen of this tribe, specifically, you carry the responsibility of preserving our unique cultural identity and contributing to the welfare and advancement of our people.”
As Lance enters the on ramp of the final chapters of his career, he hopes to continue to open doors for future generations by serving his people in the best way possible.
“I hope to leave a legacy of service, unity, and resilience. I hope to be remembered as someone who worked to help strengthen our community, empower others, and as someone who has upheld our Chickasaw values and traditions,” Lance said.
“To me, it’s important to build on a foundation that future generations - including my children and grandchildren and their children and grandchildren - can continue to build upon, ensuring the lasting prosperity and vibrancy of our tribe.”
