Tribal Council District 6
Meredith A. Frailey
PO Box 699
Locust Grove, OK 74352
Home: (918) 479-2321
Cell: 918-453-1572
Email: Meredith-Frailey@cherokee.org
Residence and family information: Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Mother: Susie Swimmer. Son: Brandon Frailey. Grandchildren: Jaysie and Sidney Frailey.
Education: Graduated Locust Grove High School, Bachelor of Science from Northeastern State University and Juris Doctorate from University of Tulsa Law School.
Describe the leadership experience you would bring to the Tribal Council.
“As a business and manufacturing executive and attorney, I possess the ability to analyze issues, plan their resolution and coordinate activities to implement solutions. My experience spans manufacturing, energy, banking, business services, education and non-profit industries. I have held positions as marketing director of the YMCA and small business entrepreneur and served on local, state and federal boards and task forces.”
Describe the role of the office for which you are a candidatel in relation to the other branches of the Cherokee Nation government.
“The Cherokee Nation Constitution creates three separate branches of government: legislative, executive and judicial. These branches share government powers (balance of powers). In general, the legislative branch makes the laws, the judicial branch interprets the laws and the executive branch carries out the laws.”
What are your priorities for the Cherokee Nation?
“My vision for the Cherokee Nation is a self-sufficient, focused network of programs and business enterprises that help create economic independence for the Cherokee people, and that provide an inheritance for future generations. In general, I believe the mission of the Cherokee Nation should be to create and maintain an environment whereby businesses can grow and the Cherokee people can thrive and be continually motivated to improve their quality of life. This can be done by providing access to advanced educational opportunities, quality health care, fair and affordable housing and employment opportunities.”
What is the biggest challenge facing the Cherokee Nation today and how do you plan on solving it?
“In my opinion, two major challenges face the Cherokee Nation today: stability and unity. As a legislative member, I would help develop a strategic plan and establish a financial plan for the future utilizing a team-building approach of developing leaders and involving people in the plan. A unified purpose can be achieved only when all segments of the Cherokee Nation see themselves as part of a larger whole with a single goal.”