Michell Alexander Hicks (born September 8, 1964) is an American and Cherokee politician who has served as the
principal chief of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), (Cherokee language, Cherokee: ᏣᎳᎩᏱ ᏕᏣᏓᏂᎸᎩ, ''Tsalagiyi Detsadanilvgi'') is a List of federally recognized tribes in the contiguous United States, federally recognized Indian Tribe, ...
since 2023. He previously served three terms as Principal Chief from 2003 to 2015, becoming the youngest person ever to hold the position at age 38. In 2023, he was re-elected as Principal Chief, marking the beginning of his fourth term. Throughout his leadership, he has guided the 16,000-member tribe through significant economic growth and cultural preservation efforts.
He is recognized as a national leader in Indian Country, known for his commitment to the advancement and well-being of his tribe and community.
Personal life
Hicks was born and raised on the
Qualla Boundary
The Qualla Boundary or The Qualla is territory held as a land trust by the United States government for the federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), who reside in Western North Carolina. The area is part of the large histori ...
, the land trust of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University (WCU) is a public university in Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the University of North Carolina system.
The fifth oldest institution of the sixteen four-year universities in the UNC system, WCU ...
. He and his wife Marsha have 5 children.
Career
Prior to serving as Principal Chief, Hicks has also served as the Eastern Band's Executive Director of Budget and Finance.
Electoral history
See also
*
List of Principal Chiefs of the Cherokee
References
External links
Michell A. Hicks, CPA Chief Strategy Group
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hicks, Michell
1964 births
Living people
Principal Chiefs of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
21st-century Native American leaders
People from the Qualla Boundary
Western Carolina University alumni
American businesspeople