Shella Bowlin was appointed Cherokee Nation Secretary of State by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in 2023. Before her appointment, Bowlin served at Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) beginning in 2004, most recently as Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Analytics under company CEO Chuck Garrett.
In her role as Secretary of State, Bowlin leads the tribe’s forward facing government services, while also overseeing the implementation of the Chief’s strategic goals for the tribe.
Bowlin holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management from Oklahoma State University and an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. She currently serves on the Greenwood Cultural Center Board, Tulsa HUD CDC Board, GRAND Mental Health Board, and the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation Board. Her public service and leadership have been recognized with the 2024 League of Women Voters “Madam President” Award and the AWC Tulsa 2024 Newsmakers Award.
Canaan Duncan was appointed Cherokee Nation Deputy Secretary of State in 2023 by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.
Deputy Secretary Duncan previously served as a Council of the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee Nation Administration Member representing western Adair County from January 2019 to August 2021, and later as the Administration’s Senior Advisor for Community Engagement.
In his current role, Deputy Secretary Duncan helps oversee the Community and Cultural Outreach department and works to better connect communities across the reservation with the Cherokee Nation. He also serves as Council Liaison between Tribal Council and Cherokee Nation Administration.
