TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation announced today that Chief Economist Tralynna Scott will continue in her special envoy role and will lead an economic impact study of the tribe’s health system.
“Tralynna Scott continues to serve the Cherokee people and continues to help position our nation for a bright future,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. “As we close out the final 18 months of the Hoskin/Warner Administration, I am very grateful that she will continue helping us lead.”
Scott served as Cherokee Nation’s Treasurer from August 2019 to August of 2021, leaving to become Cherokee Nation Businesses Chief Economist. Since then, she has also served as Cherokee Nation’s Special Envoy to the United States Department of the Treasury.
In her role as the tribe's Special Envoy to the United States Department of the Treasury, Scott serves on the IRS Advisory Council, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Center for Indian Country Development, the American Red Cross of Northeast Oklahoma Board and the Family & Children Services Board.
As treasurer Scott helped navigate Cherokee Nation through threats to tribal gaming by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, COVID-19 response and recovery and meeting the tribe’s expanded criminal justice responsibilities under the U.S. Supreme Court McGirt decision.
“This position gives me the opportunity to be an educator in different capacities and affords me the chance to sit on various national boards, where I get to educate different agencies on what is going on in Indian County, which just fills me with pride,” Cherokee Nation Special Envoy to the United States Department of the Treasury Tralynna Scott said. “I want to thank Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner for reappointing me, as I love what I do and enjoy this position.”
After Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice Tina Glory Jordan swore in Scott, Chief Hoskin signed a memorandum naming Scott as lead of the tribe’s first ever economic impact study of its health care system.
“The true measure of our health system is whether it helps the Cherokee people and other patients in our system lead healthier lives,” said Deputy Chief Warner. “But, without a doubt there is a positive economic impact in our communities when we build and operate clinics and recreate and retain the best and brightest health care workforce. Tralynna Scott will help us all understand this better.”
Cherokee Councilor Sasha Blackfox-Qualls, who chairs the council’s Health committee, praised Scott’s leadership and the call for a healthcare economic impact study.
“The Council is excited for this health care impact study to be conducted and eager to receive the results of the study. It is important to understand the output of dollars from the system so that, as a Council, we can continue making strategic investments into health care,” said District 1 Councilor Sasha Blackfox-Qualls, Chair of the Council’s Health Committee. “Special Envoy Scott has proven her dedication and excellence. Her efforts have not only strengthened our standing within the Cherokee Nation but have also improved the lives of many Cherokees. Her role will continue to be pivotal in analyzing regional and global economic conditions, along with developing vital economic impact studies.”
Chief Hoskin said an economic impact report helps the tribe with future planning and policy advocacy.
“Under the Hoskin/Warner Administration we have invested over $1 billion in health care facilities, our predecessors also invested hundreds of millions of dollars and that is on top of hundreds of millions of dollars invested annually in our workforce and operations,” said Chief Hoskin. “Understanding how all of that improves economic conditions across our region helps us plan future projects and sends a message to local, state and federal officials that when tribes are in charge of their own health care systems, everyone wins.”
Chief Hoskin’s memorandum “Directing the Analysis and Issuance of an Economic Impact Report Relating to Cherokee Nation Health Services” and also available on the tribes Cherokee.org website.
The economic impact report is due May 30, 2026.
Scott will serve as a special envoy through the remainder of Chief Hoskin’s term ending August 14, 2027.