Joe Tillman
Joe Tillman | |
|---|---|
| Principal Chief of the Osage Nation | |
| Assumed office July 11, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Geoffrey Standing Bear |
| Member of the Osage Nation Congress | |
| In office 2016–2026 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Fairfax, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Citizenship | American Osage Nation |
| Parent |
|
| Education | Oklahoma State University |
Joe Tillman is an Osage politician who has served as the Principal Chief of the Osage Nation since 2026.
Early life, education, and family
[edit]Joe Tillman was born and raised in Fairfax, Oklahoma, where he graduated high school before attending Oklahoma State University where he earned both a bachelor's and master's degree. He was a member of the Oklahoma State Cowboys football team from 1978 to 1981.[1] He is the son of former Principal Chief of the Osage Nation Charles O. Tillman.[2]
He worked for Bucknell University from 1999 to 2001, and for Fiducial/Core Business Solutions before working for the Osage Nation government in the administration of John Red Eagle.[1]
Osage politics
[edit]He was elected to the Osage Nation Congress in 2016.[2] He was reelected in 2020 and 2024.[3][4]
In 2026, he ran for Principal Chief of the Osage Nation and placed first in the primary election, advancing to a runoff election alongside Scott Bighorse. Amanda GoodEagle placed third and was eliminated.[5] He won the general election and was inaugurated principal chief succeeding Geoffrey Standing Bear.[6]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Principal Chief Joe Tillman". Osage Nation. Retrieved August 6, 2026.
- 1 2 Loveless, Tristan (February 14, 2026). "Cheat Sheet: 2026 Osage Nation principal chief primary election". NonDoc. Retrieved August 6, 2026.
- ↑ Loveless, Tristan (May 31, 2024). "Constitutional question, 16 candidates on 2024 Osage Nation election ballot". NonDoc. Retrieved August 6, 2026.
- ↑ Loveless, Tristan (June 6, 2024). "Osage Nation election: Incumbents hold 5 seats, Whitehorn returns to Osage Congress". NonDoc. Retrieved August 6, 2026.
- ↑ James, Derrick; Tristan, Loveless (March 11, 2026). "Tribal Roundup: Osage general set, Peoria chief reelected, incumbent barred from Ponca ballot". NonDoc. Retrieved August 6, 2026.
- ↑ Pablo, Thomas (July 14, 2026). "Osage Nation swears in new chief, elected officials". KOSU. Retrieved August 6, 2026.