2012 profiles: Bill Anoatubby, governor of the Chickasaw Nation

Twenty-five years and a whole lot of economic development later, the nation now provides jobs to more than 11,000 people and has become a powerhouse in the state of Oklahoma.

With more than a dozen casinos, including Riverwind and WinStar, and an assortment of other ventures, the tribe's assets have grown 20-fold under Anoatubby's leadership.

This year promises to be no different.

Anoatubby said the tribe's focus on building destination venues and tourist attractions will continue in 2012.

He said the Chickasaw Nation will maintain its “close working relationships with the state of Oklahoma.”

“We are also working with a number of tribes, private entities and the state of Oklahoma to help make the dream of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum a reality,” Anoatubby said.