A.D. Ellis, the principal chief of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, is going to the White House next week. It's not a big deal.
"It's something to be there," Ellis told The Tulsa World. "But I've already been. I guess I did something right."
The low-key attitude defines Ellis, 71, who is serving his second term as chief. He's held elected positions in the tribe for 17 years and is always looking for ways to improve.
"I see something that I think we can do, then I take it home with me and try it," Ellis said. "But we want to be the one that everyone is looking to be like."
One of those areas he hopes others will emulate is housing. The tribe took control of its housing authority, which was formerly administered under a state charter. The tribe is opening a modular-home manufacturing plant next year.
He's also overseeing construction of a $200 million casino, the tribe's largest. He envisions other businesses, like shopping centers and factories, along with development along the Arkansas River.
Get the Story:Seemingly mild chief is racing on the inside (The Tulsa World 12/13) $rl Muscogee Nation - http://www.muscogeenation-nsn.gov
