Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OK - Following the resignation of Jim Parris as Secretary/Treasurer of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Principal Chief, Chad Smith, nominated Jay Hannah, executive vice president of BancFirst, as interim Secretary/Treasurer at the regular tribal council meeting held Monday night, on September 11, 2000. Council members unanimously approved Hannah's appointment.

"I'd like to commend the Chief on his selection," said council member Barbara Starr-Scott. "Jay is a great choice for this interim position."

Hannah, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO), is the executive vice president of financial services for BancFirst Corporation. He is a graduate of Northeastern State University and received his master's degree from Oklahoma State University. "Jay is an active community leader who is always willing to volunteer his time in service to the Cherokee people", Chief Smith said.

Jim Parris resigned his position last week in order to concentrate on his consulting business. Chief Smith had nothing but praise for the CNO's departing Secretary/Treasurer.

"One year ago, Jim reluctantly agreed to be our Secretary/Treasurer because he knew that there was so much work to be done," said Smith. "He faced the challenge, and in his brief tenure we've gotten the Cherokee Nation's finances in order."

In the last year, the Cherokee Nation closed the financial books for 1997 and 1998 and secured independent audits for those years. The CNO also reconciled over expenditures for 1997-98 and paid off a $6 million debt. The 1999 audit is currently underway. The council and administration worked together to start fiscal year 2000 with an approved budget, the first time that had been done in 5 years.

Principal Chief, Chad Smith said, "Our accounting department personnel are to be commended for their dedication, and I appreciate Jim's leadership in these accomplishments."