Government- Chief Michell Hicks

Chief Michell Hicks is a 1982 graduate of Cherokee High School. He received an AAS Degree in Accounting from Southwestern Community College in 1990, and a B.S. in Business Management in 1987 from Western Carolina University. In 1994, Chief Hicks became a Certified Public Accountant.

Chief Hicks is a 1982 graduate of Cherokee High School, received a B.S. Degree in Business Management in 1987 from Western Carolina University and an AAS Degree in Accounting from Southwestern Community College in 1990. Principal Chief Michell Hicks has held various positions with the Tribe dating back to 1987 when he served as the Assistant Business Manager for the Eastern Band until 1990. In 1990, Chief Hicks became the Finance Officer with Qualla Housing Authority. From 1990 – 1996, Chief Hicks served as a Certified Public Accountant with Mahoney, Cohen and Co—in both their New York and Cherokee offices. In 1996, he returned to Tribal service as the Executive Director of Budget and Finance—until his election to the Office of Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in 2003, and his subsequent re-election in 2007.

Principal Chief Michell Hicks is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants , and also a member of the North Carolina Certified Public Accountants. Chief Hicks is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association . Chief Hicks serves on a joint Tribal, State and local government committee focused on Homeland Security. Chief Hicks serves on the board of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. He is also a member of the Cherokee Historical Association and the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry.

Principal Chief Michell Hicks resides in the Painttown Community of the Qualla Boundary with his wife Marsha and their five children, Savannah, Marlee , Noah, Lynsey and Amaya.

Chief Hick’s hobbies include fishing, hunting, golf and being with his family.