| Linda Hughes O'Leary | |
|---|---|
| Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor for the 5th district | |
| In office 2003–2007Serving with Melvina Shotpouch | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1950-04-09) April 9, 1950 (age 74) Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Citizenship | Cherokee Nation United States |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Northeastern State University |
Linda Hughes O'Leary (born April 9, 1950) is a Cherokee politician who served on the Cherokee Nation tribal council for district 5 from 2003 to 2007.
Life
Hughes O'Leary was born on April 9, 1950, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Clinton "Webb" Hughes and Frankie Lou Potter Hughes. She is a descendant of original Cherokee enrollees, with her grandparents being Ezekiel "Zeke" and Katie Kaiser Hughes, and John and Nina "Pug" Beck Hendren Potter. Hughes O'Leary graduated from Colcord High School and later attended Northeastern State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in sociology.
Hughes O'Leary began her career at the U.S. Department of Human Services, where she worked for 19 years. During her time there, she specialized in child protection services, home studies, adult services, and medical clinic eligibility within the welfare department. Following her career in social services, she established her own bail bond business in Oklahoma, where she has been operating for over 15 years as of 2003.
In 2003, Hughes O'Leary and Melvina Shotpouch were elected to represent the multi-member district 5 of the Cherokee Nation tribal council. She focused on issues such as education, housing, healthcare, and cultural preservation.
As of 2003, Hughes O'Leary resides in Jay, Oklahoma, with her husband, Larry O'Leary. They have three children.
References
- ^ Good Voice, Christina (2003-11-07). "Know your councilor - Linda Hughes O'Leary". Cherokee Phoenix. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
- Chavez, Will (June 5, 2023). "Grayson, Chapman in runoff". Cherokee Phoenix. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
- Living people
- Politicians from Tulsa, Oklahoma
- 1950 births
- 21st-century American women politicians
- 21st-century Native American women
- Members of the Council of the Cherokee Nation
- Women in Oklahoma politics
- Cherokee Nation women
- 21st-century Native American politicians
- Native American women in politics
- Northeastern State University alumni
- People from Delaware County, Oklahoma
- United States Department of Health and Human Services officials