Bill Lance joins USAO's Board of Regents

 Gov. Mary Fallin appointed Lance, the administrator and chief executive officer of the Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce, to the board for a seven-year term, replacing retired physician and Oklahoma civic leader Leslie Hudson.“As a life-long resident of Oklahoma, I am deeply interested in the continued improvement of education and commerce in our great state,” Lance said. “I believe my unique experience as an Oklahoma business leader, former health system administrator and Chickasaw Nation tribal member will add a valuable perspective that will enhance the USAO Board of Regents.”Lance has served as CEO of the CNDC since April of 2009. In that capacity, he is responsible for the management of all commercial business enterprises of the Chickasaw Nation. The CNDC has more than 6,500 employees spanning more than 60 businesses.“We are pleased with the appointment of Bill Lance to our Board of Regents, and we are very appreciative of Gov. Fallin’s foresight in appointing him to serve,” said USAO President John Feaver. “With his statewide presence and knowledge and experience, rest well assured that he will bring an extraordinarily valuable perspective and the necessary qualities to help the Board move the university forward.”Lance serves on the board of directors for several other businesses, including Global Gaming Solutions, LLC; RSE Enterprises, Inc.; and Chickasaw Nation Industries.He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of Leadership Oklahoma Class XXIV.He holds several professional memberships, including American College of Healthcare Executives, East Central Blood Institute Board of Directors, Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, America Hospital Association and the Oklahoma Hospital Association.Lance previously was the administrator of the Chickasaw Nation Health System, which consists of several facilities and clinics. There, he managed more than 500 employees with an operating budget of more than $77 million.Together with Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, Lance oversaw the historic construction of the 370,000 square foot Chickasaw Nation Media Center near Ada.Lance received a master’s of public health from the University of Oklahoma College of Public Health and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Central University.