Bill John Baker | |
---|---|
7th Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation | |
In office October 19, 2011 – August 14, 2019 | |
Preceded by | Joe Crittenden (acting) |
Succeeded by | Chuck Hoskin Jr. |
Personal details | |
Born | Tahlequah, Oklahoma, U.S. | February 9, 1952
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Sherry Robertson |
Education | Northeastern State University (BA) |
Bill John Baker (born February 9, 1952) is a Cherokee politician who served as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. First elected in October 2011, Baker defeated three-term incumbent Chief Chad "Corntassel" Smith.[1] Prior to his election as Chief, Baker served 12 years on the Cherokee Tribal Council. In 1999, Baker unsuccessfully ran for Deputy Chief of the Cherokee Nation.