Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
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Mary Adair, chairwoman, HACN Board of Commissioners, congratulates new Commissioner James Simmons.

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation (HACN) added James Simmons to its Board of Commissioners during its November meeting. Simmons was appointed by Principal Chief Chad Smith and approved by the Tribal Council to serve a three-year term.

Simmons currently serves as the Director of Business and Industry Services at the Indian Capital Technology Center in Muskogee. He has worked with the Indian Capital Technology Centers for the past 30 years, serving as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.

A graduate from Northeastern State University, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts and a Masters degree (certificate) for Secondary School Principal.

He is a native of Vian, where he resides with his wife. Simmons enjoys cooking barbecue, chili cook-offs, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.

Simmons has served on the Vian School Board for the past 21 years.

Although Simmons spends much of his spare time with fundraisers for the Vian schools, knowing that time spent with the HACN Board will help others, led him to accept this appointment.

"It's real gratifying to know that my vote helps someone move into a new home," Simmons said. "It will be worthwhile to spend time on this board."

Other board items include the election of officers: Mary Adair was elected as Chair, Wayne Dunham as Vice-Chair and Richard "Dick" McNair as Secretary. William Smoke and James Simmons complete the Board.

In other action, the Board passed a resolution the HACN's Rehabilitation Policy to provide grant assistance not to exceed $20,000 per unit.

The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation Board of Commissioners meeting is open to the public. The next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday, December 17, 2002, at the HACN Administration Conference Room, located at 1500 Hensley Drive, Tahlequah.