Michell Hicks

Michell A. Hicks is a Cherokee politician serving as Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He served three terms as Principal Chief from 2003 to 2015. In 2023, he was reelected Principal Chief for the fourth time.

Early life
Hicks was born and raised on the Qualla Boundary, the land trust of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Western Carolina University. He and his wife Marsha have 5 children.

Career
Prior to serving as Principal Chief, Hicks has also served as the Eastern Band's Executive Director of Budget and Finance.

In 2023, Hicks was reelected Principal Chief after winning 65% of the votes.