Taralee Montgomery (born c. 1992) is a Cherokee government official serving as a deputy secretary of state of the Cherokee Nation since 2023.
Taralee Montgomery | |
|---|---|
| Deputy Cherokee Nation Secretary of State | |
| Assumed office August 2023 | |
| Appointed by | Chuck Hoskin Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1992 |
Life
editMontgomery was born c. 1992.[1] Her career with the Cherokee Nation began in the communications department in 2019, where she started as a photographer.[2] She later transitioned to a role as a special project officer under principal chief Chuck Hoskin Jr..[2] In 2022, she was appointed a senior advisor for public policy.[3] In this capacity, she continued as the primary liaison between the administration, executive branch departments, and Cherokee Nation entities.[3] Her expanded role involved analyzing and developing tribal legislation and policies.[3] During this time, Montgomery worked under secretary of state Tina Glory-Jordan involved in various policy initiatives, including inclusive family leave, legislative drafting, external partnerships, executive orders, and grant facilitation.[3] Montgomery worked closely with Kim Teehee, the proposed Cherokee delegate to the United States House of Representatives, for six years.[4] She has been a strong advocate for the Cherokee Nation's right to a congressional delegate, as promised in the 1835 Treaty of New Echota.[4]
In August 2023 during Hoskin Jr.'s the administration's second term, Montgomery was appointed as a deputy secretary of state under Shella Bowlin.[2] In this capacity, she focuses on policy evaluation and development across government programs.[2] Her role involves addressing gender equity issues, including wage compression and gender pay equity.[2] She works with the Cherokee Nation tribal council and developing policies and legislative initiatives to improve the lives of Cherokee Nation employees, citizens, and communities.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Oklahoma Magazine | Page 27". Oklahoma Magazine. 2023-03-28. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
- ^ a b c d e Bark, Lindsey (2023-09-12). "Montgomery, Duncan move to Deputy Secretary of State positions". cherokeephoenix.org. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
- ^ a b c d Hunter, Chad (2022-11-17). "Cherokee staff take on new government roles". cherokeephoenix.org. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
- ^ a b Barclay, Mel Leonor (2023-06-26). "The woman who would be the Cherokee voice in Congress". The 19th. Retrieved 2024-09-14.
- ^ Jason (2023-08-11). "New Cabinet Energized to Continue the Progress of Cherokee Nation". Anadisgoi. Retrieved 2024-09-14.