Scott Wood took his oath of office as Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation Friday, June 26. He succeeds former Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby, who was sworn in as Governor after 10 consecutive term Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby resigned the office effective June 26.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Chris Anoatubby and Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby expressed confidence in Lt. Governor Wood’s skills and dedication to the Chickasaw people.
“Through his support of programs and services that lift up our elders and youth, Scott Wood has shown that he prioritizes the Chickasaw people above all in his duties as a legislator for more than a decade,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Chris Anoatubby. “As a leader, he has been responsive to the Chickasaw people’s needs, and he has the initiative and drive to help guide the Chickasaw Nation to continued prosperity. The Chickasaw Nation is poised to continue our path to cultural revitalization and advancement for years to come.”
“Scott Wood has the leadership qualities, education, experience and knowledge necessary to help move the Chickasaw Nation forward in our mission. As part of the team charged with leading the Chickasaw Nation to ongoing success, along with Governor Chris Anoatubby, Lt. Governor Scott Wood will be a stalwart advocate of the tribe’s people and interests,” said Chickasaw Nation Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby.
Lt. Governor Wood has served as a legislator since he was elected in 2012. He served as the Chickasaw Nation Legislature’s secretary from 2018 to 2020. He was elected its chairman from 2020 to 2022.
During the ceremony, Lt. Governor Wood stated that he feels extremely blessed to be asked to serve as part of the executive team expressing his support for the newly sworn in Governor. Lt. Governor Wood stated, “Thank you for believing in me and our team, and I want to say there is no one more qualified than Governor Chris Anoatubby to lead us.
I always tell people when they ask me about my job as a legislator – I always tell them it’s the greatest job in the world. It’s an honor and a privilege to be an elected official because we get to serve Chickasaw people, and that’s what I love doing,” Lt. Governor Wood said. “I love to see Chickasaw people do well and our nation thrive, so I look forward to this new journey because I’m going to do the same thing, but just in a different capacity.”
The Chickasaw Nation Legislature consented to Lt. Governor Wood’s appointment. Legislator David Woerz, Pickens District, made the motion to approve and Legislator Lisa Johnson Billy, Pontotoc District, seconded the action and the resolution was unanimously approved in the specially called session.
Chickasaw Nation Legislature Chairperson Connie Barker spoke of Lt. Governor Wood’s dedication to citizens in his work as a legislator. She said the Chickasaw Nation Legislature looked forward to working with him in his new role, “Scott has long served the Chickasaw people well and has worked to improve their lives. He will continue to put Chickasaw people first in his role as Lt. Governor,” said Barker.
Lt. Governor Wood dedicated his time as a legislator to upholding programs and services that enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people. He supported legislation aimed at bolstering the well-being of the youth and elderly, recognizing their integral role in ensuring the future prosperity of the Chickasaw Nation.
He considers it the highest priority for elected officials to support educational programs to furnish youth with the necessary knowledge for success and to provide a foundation for youth to contribute meaningfully to the future of the Chickasaw Nation.
Lt. Governor Wood believes the welfare of elders is indispensable for the perpetuation of Chickasaw culture and heritage, ensuring its preservation for years to come. He has championed the economic growth of the Chickasaw Nation through diversification and securing its sustainability.
Lt. Governor Emeritus Jefferson Keel, who served in Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby’s administration for 20 years, said Lt. Governor Wood has long served the Chickasaw people, and he is the right choice for the position.
“I am both honored and excited to voice my wholehearted and unwavering support for Mr. Scott Wood for the office of Lt. Governor of the Chickasaw Nation,” Lt. Governor Emeritus Keel said. “Scott understands the needs of the Chickasaw people, and I know that he will serve them with honor and integrity.”
Lt. Governor Wood was born in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, to Larry and Eugenia Wood. He is the grandson of the late Lousie Wadlington (Carney), a Chickasaw, and the late Frank Wood, of Seminole descent.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science from East Central University (ECU) in 1992, followed by an additional Bachelor of Science degree in pre-med from ECU in 1995. In 2000, he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas. In 2013, he furthered his expertise by completing a certification program in animal chiropractic at Parker College of Chiropractic.
Lt. Governor Wood’s career got its official start as a commissioned officer at the Shawnee Indian Health Center under the Indian Health Service. Upon earning his doctorate in 2000, he established a private practice in Tishomingo where he has served ever since.
His civic and community activities include serving as a board member at the Dallas Interurban Indian Clinic in Dallas, where he played a pivotal role in the recruitment of a new clinic administrator and fulfilled various other responsibilities. In 2016, Lt. Governor Wood was designated as a member of the Murray State College Board of Regents where he served as a board member until 2020.
In 2001, he received the prestigious honor of induction into the Tishomingo Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished performance in football, basketball and track during his time at Tishomingo High School.
He and his wife, Ashley, have been married 24 years and currently reside in Tishomingo. They have three daughters: Kayla, Neely, and Cheyenne as well as one son, Colt.