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 | April 9, 1950 Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Citizenship | Cherokee Nation United States |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Northeastern State University |
Life
editHughes 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
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ Chavez, Will (June 5, 2023). "Grayson, Chapman in runoff". Cherokee Phoenix. Retrieved 12 November 2023.