Chickasaw Tribal Utility Authority honors excellence at annual awards banquet

Frank Johnson Sr. receives Lifetime Achievement Award; CTUA Headquarters to bear his name

THACKERVILLE, Okla. — The Chickasaw Tribal Utility Authority (CTUA) celebrated outstanding leadership, service and dedication during its annual awards banquet conducted Jan. 17 at the WinStar Convention Center. The evening highlighted the vital contributions of CTUA team members and featured a special Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to longtime leader Frank Johnson Sr.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Johnson, honoring nearly three decades of service and visionary leadership.
Governor Anoatubby reflected on the early challenges of establishing CTUA as a public utility, a groundbreaking achievement that made CTUA the first tribal utility authority in the United States to receive such recognition. Johnson, a Chickasaw citizen, played a pivotal role in advancing CTUA’s partnerships and strengthening its operational foundation, including successful negotiations with Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E), securing critical utility connections, and favorable rates for Chickasaw Nation facilities.

Johnson’s career includes service as a member of the Chickasaw Nation Legislature, the Chickasaw Election Commission and numerous community boards, alongside his professional background with OG&E. Since 1996, he has served in leadership roles with CTUA, currently as executive director and board chair.

Governor Anoatubby praised Johnson’s leadership, noting his role in strengthening tribal sovereignty, supporting economic development, enhancing telecommunications and emergency energy services, and building essential infrastructure for the Chickasaw Nation.

In recognition of his lasting legacy, the CTUA headquarters building will be named in his honor as the Frank Johnson Sr. CTUA Headquarters.

“Frank has given a significant part of his life in service to the Chickasaw Nation,” Governor Anoatubby said. “His leadership and dedication have helped make CTUA not only a strong tribal entity, but a model utility authority.”

The banquet included recognition of CTUA’s commitment to safety and excellence in service.

Safety Champion Award recipient Tanner McCage was honored for promoting a safety-first culture through leadership by example and genuine care for the well-being of fellow team members.

Technician of the Year was awarded to Billy Thomas, recognized not only for his exceptional technical expertise but also for mentoring others, embracing continued learning and strengthening the overall performance of the CTUA team.

The Apex Award, presented to Steven Reeves, celebrated leadership rooted in accountability, teamwork and a customer-centered mindset, elevating people, processes and performance across the organization.

The evening concluded with appreciation for all CTUA team members whose daily work supports the mission and future of the Chickasaw Nation.