After graduating from Byng High School, Chris Anoatubby earned a bachelor of science in pharmacy from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and later a master’s degree in business administration from Southeastern State University in Durant, Oklahoma.
He began his career in 1997 as a staff pharmacist with the Chickasaw Nation and was named inpatient pharmacy supervisor a year later. In 2001, he was named chief of pharmacy services, and in 2010 was promoted to chief medical solutions officer of the Chickasaw Nation and president of the tribe’s Sovereign Medical Solutions, a position which meant serving dual roles in both the department of health and the department of commerce. While working as Chief of Pharmacy Services, he was named Outstanding Young Pharmacist of the Year by the Oklahoma City Indian Health Service for his implementation of innovative programs, exceptional leadership skills and development of mentor programs.
In an effort to improve the Chickasaw Nation’s health system, Chris led the implementation of patient electronic records, pharmacy interface systems, patch testing and pharmacy database systems. He also played a major role in the creation of the state-of-the-art automated pharmacy center in Ada that opened in 2007.
While serving as under secretary of the department of commerce, he took part in the development of business diversification efforts in health care, pharmaceutical industries, health information technology and other health related businesses. His responsibilities also included analyzing industry trends and changes in the political and economic environment that could impact Chickasaw Nation plans for economic diversification opportunities.
In 2018, Chris was named deputy secretary for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health where he was responsible for direct operational oversight of all clinical and non-clinical programs and services within the department. In this role, he served as the chief operating officer for the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center, Ardmore Clinic, Tishomingo Clinic and Purcell Clinic.
Chris has served on the adjunct faculty for the University of Oklahoma and Southwestern Oklahoma State University Colleges of Pharmacy. He was the residency preceptor for the Chickasaw Nation health systems post graduate year one program in areas of leadership and administration.
Chris serves on numerous boards, including Development Chair for the Chickasaw Foundation and Vice Chair of the East Central University Foundation Board of Trustees. He is on the boards of Leadership Oklahoma, United Way of Central Oklahoma, and the Oka’ Institute, as well as an advisory board member for the Byng Excellence in Education Foundation.
Chris and his wife Becky have three children, Brendan, Eryn and Sydney.
