Our Company
Cherokee Nation Businesses is the tribally owned holding company of Cherokee Nation — the largest Native American tribe in the U.S. Our mission is to grow and strengthen Cherokee Nation’s economy through innovation, diversification and job creation. We employ more than 9,000 people worldwide, working within 45 companies across three business units that generate nearly $2 billion in annual revenue. With our continued growth, we’re committed to the success of Cherokee Nation Businesses and the citizens of Cherokee Nation.
Executive Leadership Team
CNB is an independent holding company, governed by a board and led by an experienced executive leadership team.
Executive Chairman
Bill John Baker was elected to two terms as Principal Chief of Cherokee Nation, serving from 2011 to 2019. Prior to that, Baker spent 12 years on the Council of the Cherokee Nation. In those roles, he worked with many local, state and federal government officials on infrastructure, health care and economic initiatives. As executive chairman of Cherokee Nation Businesses, Baker serves as an ambassador to the...
moreChief Executive Officer
Chuck Garrett has more than 25 years of experience in the legal, gaming and commercial real estate industries, holding senior management roles at several large corporations. Garrett joined CNB in 2013, and he was promoted to executive vice president in 2015. As CNB’s chief executive officer, Garrett works with the board of directors to set the vision, direction and strategy for the company.
morePresident, Cherokee Nation Entertainment
Mark Fulton has more than 25 years of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry. Before joining Cherokee Nation Businesses in 2007, Fulton oversaw the purchase, rebranding and operations of Harrah’s Tunica and Bally’s Tunica for Resorts and Destinations Inc. in Mississippi. Fulton’s immediate responsibilities are leading the casino, racing, hotel and retail operations for CNB,...
morePresident, Cherokee Federal
Steven Bilby leads a team of federal contracting professionals that works around the globe to help solve issues in immigration, national security, intelligence, cybersecurity, health care and logistics. Bilby joined Cherokee Nation Entertainment (formerly Cherokee Nation Enterprises) in 2002, where he served as vice president and chief information officer from 2005 to 2009. In his most recent role,...
moreChief Human Resources Officer
Stephanie Cipolla joined Cherokee Nation Businesses in 2016 and currently leads the company’s Human Resources function. She is responsible for strategy, analytics, training and employee relations. Prior to joining CNB, Cipolla spent 25 years with the energy company Williams, and was the vice president of Human Resources at the time she left to join CNB.
moreChief Financial Officer
Doug Evans oversees all of Cherokee Nation Businesses’ fiscal matters as its chief financial officer. Evans brings more than 30 years of experience in financial reporting and analysis, treasury management, operational budgeting, strategic capital planning, problem solving and supply-chain management. He works closely with the executive leadership team and the board of directors in setting strategic...
moreChief Legal Officer
Robert Huffman joined Cherokee Nation Businesses in 2004. Throughout that time, Huffman has served as the company’s chief legal officer and a member of the executive leadership team. A practicing attorney for 42 years, Huffman holds a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating. He has extensive experience in legal matters, including corporate, regulatory and gaming law.
moreSVP, COO, Cherokee Nation Cultural & Economic Development
Molly Jarvis has more than 25 years of experience in casino and brand marketing. Jarvis was responsible for developing, implementing and managing the overall marketing and sales strategy for CNB, including the brand transition from Cherokee Casino Resort to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in August 2009. Prior to joining CNB in 2002, she held several...
moreSenior Vice President & Special Counsel
Todd Hembree served as the attorney general of Cherokee Nation from 2012 to 2019. As attorney general, Hembree negotiated state-tribal compacts, settled a 175-year old treaty-rights dispute and initiated a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against the opioid industry. For twelve years prior, he was the attorney for the Council of the Cherokee Nation, for which he developed rules of procedure...
moreSenior Vice President & General Counsel
Tim Baker has practiced law since 1973. Baker has been designated a Martindale-Hubble AV lawyer for more than 35 years, and he has been recognized in the top 1% of practicing lawyers. Since 2015, he has served as general counsel for Cherokee Nation Businesses. In addition to his private practice, he was the city attorney for Hulbert, Oklahoma, legal counsel for Tahlequah City...
moreSenior Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Todd Gourd has devoted more than 25 years to supporting innovation, managing modern information technology and serving as a leader in the IT field. As chief information officer for Cherokee Nation Businesses, Gourd is responsible for leading the IT department and providing strategic vision. During his 16-year career with CNB, Gourd has executed multiple roles, including...
moreSenior Vice President, Government Relations
Kim Teehee is director of government relations for Cherokee Nation and senior vice president of government relations for Cherokee Nation Businesses. In 2019, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. named Teehee as the tribe’s first delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. She previously served President Barack Obama as the first-ever senior policy advisor for Native...
moreCNB Board of Directors
Shaun Shepherd (Chairman)
Bob Berry
Lynna Carson
Chris Carter
Dan Carter
Gary Cooper
Laura Dishman
Buck George
Bill Hickman
Jerry Holderby
Barry Reynolds
Julie Eddy Rokala
Brent Taylor
Brenda Thompson
Deacon Turner
Michael Watkins
Tommye Wright

Office Locations
- Arlington, Virginia
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Claremore, Oklahoma
- Denver, Colorado
- Dover, Delaware
- Fort Gibson, Oklahoma
- Grove, Oklahoma
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Pryor, Oklahoma
- Ramona, Oklahoma
- Roland, Oklahoma
- Russellville, Arkansas
- Sallisaw, Oklahoma
- San Antonio, Texas
- South Coffeyville, Oklahoma
- Stilwell, Oklahoma
- Tahlequah, Oklahoma
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma
- International Offices:
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Baghdad, Iraq
Join Our Team
Cherokee Nation Businesses invests in the brightest, most talented individuals to ensure our brands are successful.