Cherokee Nation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cherokee Nation has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, governance, information technology, operations, finance, health technology, administration, and organizational leadership.

Committed to sovereign prosperity, Cherokee Nation advances the welfare of citizens through robust governance, sustainable economic development, and the preservation of cultural heritage across all tribal operations.

Leadership Roles at Cherokee Nation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ben Stevens
  • Chief Financial Officer - Steven Holder
  • President - Ken Groce
  • Seq. A. A. President - Marshall Dewayne
  • President - Alicia Mclemore
  • Chief Information Officer - Donnie Parish
  • Chief of Staff - Clayton Fulton
  • Chief Technology Officer, Health - Aaron Arterberry
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Jessica Lewandowski
  • Principal Chief - Chuck Hoskin
  • Ben Stevens - Chief Executive Officer

    Ben Stevens, the Chief Executive Officer at Cherokee Nation, directs the overarching strategic initiatives for the sovereign government. Stevens manages the execution of complex tribal programs, ensuring alignment with the long-term vision for citizen welfare and economic stability. By coordinating across diverse departments, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation to support the expansive needs of the community. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the executive council to refine policy implementation and operational efficiency. Ben Stevens maintains a focus on sustainable growth, driving initiatives that bolster the tribal economy while preserving cultural integrity. Through rigorous oversight of governmental functions, the Chief Executive Officer secures the operational health of the organization. Ultimately, Stevens fosters an environment of accountability and progress, ensuring that all administrative actions directly benefit the Cherokee people and strengthen the sovereign standing of the nation.

    Steven Holder - Chief Financial Officer

    Steven Holder, the Chief Financial Officer at Cherokee Nation, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the sovereign government. Holder oversees the management of tribal funds, ensuring that all financial activities comply with regulatory standards and support long-term economic sustainability. By analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data necessary for informed decision-making by the executive leadership. This role involves managing relationships with financial institutions and overseeing the audit processes that maintain transparency and accountability. Steven Holder drives initiatives to diversify income sources, thereby strengthening the financial foundation of the nation. Through careful stewardship of assets, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources remain available for critical programs such as healthcare and education. Ultimately, Holder secures the economic future of the tribe by maintaining rigorous financial discipline and strategic investment practices.

    Ken Groce - President

    Ken Groce, the President at Cherokee Nation, leads specific business enterprises and economic development initiatives that generate revenue for the tribe. Groce oversees the operational performance of these commercial entities, ensuring that they contribute to the overall financial health of the sovereign government. By identifying new market opportunities and managing existing business portfolios, the President drives growth and creates employment for citizens. This role involves coordinating with the executive leadership to ensure that business activities align with the cultural and social goals of the nation. Ken Groce maintains a focus on profitability and operational excellence, implementing strategies that maximize the return on tribal investments. Through the management of these enterprises, the President supports the funding of essential community programs. Ultimately, Groce ensures that the commercial arm of the tribe remains competitive, sustainable, and dedicated to the long-term prosperity of the Cherokee people.

    Marshall Dewayne - Seq. A. A. President

    Marshall Dewayne, the Seq. A. A. President at Cherokee Nation, directs specialized educational and cultural programs designed to preserve the heritage of the Cherokee people. Dewayne oversees the curriculum development and instructional delivery for language and history initiatives, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots. By managing the resources allocated to these programs, the Seq. A. A. President ensures that cultural education remains accessible and impactful. This role involves collaborating with community leaders and educators to refine the approach to cultural preservation. Marshall Dewayne drives the expansion of these programs, utilizing modern pedagogical methods to engage students and community members. Through the oversight of these vital initiatives, the Seq. A. A. President supports the mission of maintaining the unique identity of the nation. Ultimately, Dewayne ensures that the cultural and educational foundation of the tribe remains strong, vibrant, and deeply rooted in tradition.

    Alicia Mclemore - President

    Alicia Mclemore, the President at Cherokee Nation, manages the strategic operations of specific community service divisions that provide direct support to citizens. Mclemore oversees the delivery of social programs, ensuring that resources reach those in need across the tribal jurisdiction. By evaluating the effectiveness of these services, the President drives improvements in program design and accessibility. This role involves working closely with other executive leaders to ensure that social initiatives align with the broader governmental mission of welfare and empowerment. Alicia Mclemore maintains a focus on community impact, implementing strategies that address the specific challenges faced by tribal members. Through the oversight of these essential services, the President ensures that the government remains responsive to the evolving needs of the population. Ultimately, Mclemore secures the well-being of the community by maintaining high standards of service delivery and fostering a culture of care and support.

    Donnie Parish - Chief Information Officer

    Donnie Parish, the Chief Information Officer at Cherokee Nation, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern tribal governance. Parish oversees the security and integration of data systems, ensuring that all governmental departments maintain seamless connectivity and information integrity. By implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive citizen records and organizational assets from emerging digital threats. This leadership role involves managing the technological roadmap to support efficient service delivery across the entire tribal territory. Donnie Parish drives the adoption of innovative software solutions that streamline administrative workflows and enhance communication between departments. Through the strategic deployment of hardware and network resources, the Chief Information Officer supports the broader mission of the nation. Ultimately, Parish ensures that the technological foundation remains robust, scalable, and capable of meeting the evolving demands of a sovereign government operating in a digital age.

    Clayton Fulton - Chief of Staff

    Clayton Fulton, the Chief of Staff at Cherokee Nation, manages the daily operations and internal communications for the executive office. Fulton coordinates the flow of information between the Principal Chief and various department heads, ensuring that strategic priorities receive immediate attention. By facilitating high-level meetings and tracking project milestones, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational alignment with the broader goals of the sovereign government. This role involves resolving complex administrative challenges and optimizing the internal processes that support tribal leadership. Clayton Fulton drives the implementation of executive directives, ensuring that all staff members work toward the common objective of citizen empowerment. Through meticulous planning and oversight, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the executive branch. Ultimately, Fulton provides the necessary structure and support to ensure that the leadership team functions effectively in the service of the Cherokee people.

    Aaron Arterberry - Chief Technology Officer, Health

    Aaron Arterberry, the Chief Technology Officer, Health at Cherokee Nation, architects the specialized digital systems required for the tribal healthcare network. Arterberry oversees the implementation of electronic health records and diagnostic technologies, ensuring that medical providers have access to accurate and timely patient data. By integrating advanced health informatics, the Chief Technology Officer, Health improves the quality of care delivered to citizens across the tribal jurisdiction. This role involves collaborating with medical directors to identify technological gaps and deploying solutions that enhance clinical outcomes. Aaron Arterberry drives the modernization of health-related infrastructure, ensuring that the system remains compliant with federal standards and patient privacy regulations. Through the strategic application of technology, the Chief Technology Officer, Health supports the mission of providing comprehensive wellness services. Ultimately, Arterberry ensures that the healthcare system remains efficient, secure, and responsive to the needs of the community.

    Jessica Lewandowski - Chief Administrative Officer

    Jessica Lewandowski, the Chief Administrative Officer at Cherokee Nation, directs the internal support functions that enable the government to operate effectively. Lewandowski oversees human resources, facilities management, and general administrative policies, ensuring that all departments have the necessary tools to perform their duties. By standardizing operational procedures, the Chief Administrative Officer improves efficiency and reduces redundancy across the organization. This role involves managing the workforce and fostering a professional environment that aligns with the values of the Cherokee people. Jessica Lewandowski drives initiatives to enhance employee engagement and organizational development, ensuring that the staff remains capable of meeting the needs of the citizens. Through the oversight of administrative infrastructure, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the broader mission of the sovereign government. Ultimately, Lewandowski ensures that the internal operations remain stable, organized, and fully aligned with the strategic objectives of the nation.

    Chuck Hoskin - Principal Chief

    Chuck Hoskin, the Principal Chief at Cherokee Nation, serves as the primary representative and executive leader for the sovereign government. Hoskin guides the legislative and administrative direction of the tribe, focusing on the expansion of healthcare, housing, and educational services for citizens. By engaging with federal and state partners, the Principal Chief secures the necessary resources to maintain tribal sovereignty and community development. This role requires constant interaction with the tribal council to enact policies that reflect the values and needs of the Cherokee people. Chuck Hoskin drives large-scale initiatives that improve infrastructure and economic opportunities across the tribal jurisdiction. Through decisive leadership, the Principal Chief ensures that all governmental activities remain aligned with the mission of protecting and advancing the interests of the Cherokee Nation. Ultimately, Hoskin maintains the stability and growth of the community through dedicated public service.
    Chuck Hoskin

    Explore Leadership Teams in Government

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cherokee Nation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cherokee Nation?
    Cherokee Nation is led by Ben Stevens (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Steven Holder (Chief Financial Officer) and Ken Groce (President).
    Who is part of Cherokee Nation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cherokee Nation includes leaders such as Ben Stevens (Chief Executive Officer), Steven Holder (Chief Financial Officer), Ken Groce (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cherokee Nation have?
    Cherokee Nation has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cherokee Nation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cherokee Nation includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Seq. A. A. President, President.