Michell Hicks

Michell Alexander Hicks is the 26th and current Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. 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.

Michell Hicks
Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
In office 2003–2015
Preceded by	Leon Jones
Succeeded by	Patrick Lambert
Incumbent
Assumed office October 2, 2023
Preceded by	Richard Sneed
Personal details
Born	(1964-09-08)September 8, 1964[1]
Nationality	Eastern Band Cherokee, American
Education	Western Carolina University (BBA) Southwestern Community College
Occupation	Accountant Politician

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.^[2][3]

Personal life

Hicks was born and raised on the Qualla Boundary, the land trust of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.^[4] He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Western Carolina University. He and his wife Marsha have 5 children.^[5]

Career

Prior to serving as Principal Chief, Hicks has also served as the Eastern Band's Executive Director of Budget and Finance.^[5]

Electoral history

2023 EBCI Principal Chief primary election^[6]

Candidate		Votes	%
Michell Hicks		1,075	41.73%
Richard Sneed (Incumbent)		548	21.27%
Robert Saunooke		441	17.11
Gary Ledford		254	9.86
Gene Crowe Jr.		141	5.47
Lori Taylor		117	4.54

2023 EBCI Principal Chief general election^[2][7]

Candidate		Votes	%
Michell Hicks		2,254	65.03%
Richard Sneed (Incumbent)		1,212	34.97%

See also

• List of Principal Chiefs of the Cherokee

References

1. "Michell Hicks, Principal Chief (1964 - d.)". Geni.com. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
2. Kays, Holly (September 7, 2023). "Hicks wins fourth term as Cherokee chief". Smoky Mountain News. Waynesville, NC. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
3. Hodge, Rex (September 8, 2023). "Hicks voted in again as Principal Chief of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, defeating incumbent Sneed". Asheville, NC: WLOS. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
4. "Mental Etiquette of a Leader" (PDF). United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
5. "Principal Chief Michell Hicks". Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
6. "Unofficial results of the 2023 EBCI Primary Election". Cherokee One Feather. June 1, 2023. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
7. Knoepp, Lilly (October 3, 2023). "Hicks, Tribal Council sworn in as new Eastern Band of Cherokee leaders". Blue Ridge Public Radio. Retrieved January 13, 2024.

External links

• Michell A. Hicks, CPA, Chief Strategy Group

Preceded by Leon Jones	Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians 2003-2016	Succeeded by Patrick Lambert
Preceded by Richard Sneed	Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians 2023-Present	Succeeded by Present