Linda Hughes O'Leary (born April 9, 1950) is a Cherokee politician who served on the Cherokee Nation tribal council for district 5 from 2003 to 2007.

Linda Hughes O'Leary
Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor for the 5th district
In office
2003–2007
Serving with Melvina Shotpouch
Personal details
Born (1950-04-09) April 9, 1950 (age 74)
Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
CitizenshipCherokee Nation
United States
Children3
EducationNortheastern State University

Life

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Hughes O'Leary was born on April 9, 1950, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Clinton "Webb" Hughes and Frankie Lou Potter Hughes.[1] She is a descendant of original Cherokee enrollees, with her grandparents being Ezekiel "Zeke" and Katie Kaiser Hughes, and John and Nina "Pug" Beck Hendren Potter.[1] Hughes O'Leary graduated from Colcord High School and later attended Northeastern State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in sociology.[1]

Hughes O'Leary began her career at the U.S. Department of Human Services, where she worked for 19 years.[1] During her time there, she specialized in child protection services, home studies, adult services, and medical clinic eligibility within the welfare department.[1] Following her career in social services, she established her own bail bond business in Oklahoma, where she has been operating for over 15 years as of 2003.[1]

In 2003, Hughes O'Leary and Melvina Shotpouch were elected to represent the multi-member district 5 of the Cherokee Nation tribal council.[2] She focused on issues such as education, housing, healthcare, and cultural preservation.[1]

As of 2003, Hughes O'Leary resides in Jay, Oklahoma, with her husband, Larry O'Leary. They have three children.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Good Voice, Christina (2003-11-07). "Know your councilor - Linda Hughes O'Leary". Cherokee Phoenix. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  2. ^ Chavez, Will (June 5, 2023). "Grayson, Chapman in runoff". Cherokee Phoenix. Retrieved 12 November 2023.