Neal McCaleb facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Neal McCaleb
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McCaleb speaking at the opening ceremonies of the Oklahoma City Crosstown Expressway
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| 8th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs | |
| In office 2001–2003 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Kevin Gover |
| Succeeded by | David W. Anderson |
| Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation | |
| In office January 1995 – July, 2001 |
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| Governor | Frank Keating |
| Preceded by | Delmas Ford |
| Succeeded by | Herschal Crow |
| In office 1987–1991 |
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| Governor | Henry Bellmon |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Delmas Ford |
| Director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority | |
| In office January, 1995 – July, 2001 |
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| Governor | Frank Keating |
| Minority Leader of Oklahoma House of Representatives | |
| In office 1979–1983 |
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| Preceded by | Kent F. Frates |
| Succeeded by | Frank W. Davis |
| Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 35th district |
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| In office 1974–1983 |
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| Preceded by | Jan Turner |
| Succeeded by | Steve Sill |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 30, 1935 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Died | January 7, 2025 (aged 89) |
| Nationality | American Chickasaw Nation |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | 4 |
| Residences | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Oklahoma A&M College |
| Occupation | Civil Engineer Politician |
Neal A. McCaleb (born June 30, 1935 – died January 7, 2025) was an American civil engineer and politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. McCaleb was also a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation. He held many important jobs in the government of Oklahoma. Later, he worked for the United States government under President George W. Bush. He was the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.
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Early Life and Education
Neal McCaleb was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on June 30, 1935. His parents were Burt and Zelma McCaleb. His father was also involved in transportation, working as the director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
Neal finished high school at Putnam City in 1953. He then went to Oklahoma State University (which was called Oklahoma A&M College back then). In 1957, he earned a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. A civil engineer designs and builds things like roads, bridges, and buildings. Before becoming a politician, McCaleb worked as a civil engineer.
From 1967 to 1972, he was part of the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission. This group helped with issues important to Native American communities in Oklahoma. In 1975, he became the first Chairman of the American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers.
Oklahoma Government Roles
McCaleb started his political career in Oklahoma.
Serving in the Oklahoma House of Representatives
In 1974, Neal McCaleb was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He represented the 35th district as a Republican. He served in this role until 1983. In 1978, his fellow lawmakers chose him to be the House Minority Leader. This meant he was the main leader for the Republican members in the House. He kept this leadership role until he left the Legislature.
Working for Governor Bellmon
In 1987, Henry Bellmon, who was the Governor of Oklahoma, asked McCaleb to be the state's first Secretary of Transportation. This new job was created after a law was passed to improve how the state government worked. As Secretary, McCaleb was in charge of Oklahoma's transportation system. Governor Bellmon also made him the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation at the same time. McCaleb held both jobs until 1991, when Governor Bellmon's term ended.
During this time, McCaleb helped oversee the building of several important roads called turnpikes. These included the Cherokee Turnpike, Kilpatrick Turnpike, Creek Turnpike, and Chickasaw Turnpike. After leaving state government, McCaleb became the President of the Oklahoma Good Roads and Transportation Association. This group worked to support safe and affordable roads in Oklahoma. He led this group until 1995.
Working for Governor Keating
In 1995, Frank Keating became the new Governor of Oklahoma. Governor Keating also appointed Neal McCaleb to be his Secretary of Transportation. McCaleb was also put in charge of both the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. He stayed in these important roles until July 2001. At that time, he resigned to join the United States government.
While working for Governor Keating, McCaleb helped with extending the Kilpatrick Turnpike and the H. E. Bailey Turnpike. He also supported a plan to improve Oklahoma's state highways. He oversaw the start of the Heartland Flyer, a passenger train service.
National Government Roles
Neal McCaleb also served in the United States government.
Presidential Appointments
In 1972, President Richard Nixon appointed McCaleb to serve on the National Council on Indian Opportunities. Later, President Ronald Reagan appointed him to the Indian Reservation Economies Commission. These roles showed his ongoing commitment to Native American issues.
Working for President George W. Bush
Because he was a member of the Chickasaw Nation, President George W. Bush appointed McCaleb to a very important job in 2001. He became the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. This role is part of the Department of the Interior. As the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, McCaleb was responsible for managing millions of acres of land. This land is held in trust by the U.S. government for Native Americans, Native American tribes, and Alaska Natives.
McCaleb held this position until November 2002, when he returned to Oklahoma.
Work with the Chickasaw Nation
After leaving the federal government, McCaleb continued to work for Native American communities. He became an advisor to Bill Anoatubby, who is the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. Governor Anoatubby asked McCaleb to help create long-term plans for the Nation's economic growth.
McCaleb was also appointed to the board of directors for Chickasaw Community Bank. This bank is fully owned by the Chickasaw Nation. He also became the chairman of the board for Chickasaw Nation Industries. This group helps promote economic development for the Chickasaw tribe.
Personal Life and Legacy
Neal McCaleb was married and had four children and thirteen grandchildren. He passed away on January 7, 2025, at the age of 89.
McCaleb was recognized for his many contributions. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Chickasaw Hall of Fame. He was also honored by the Oklahoma State University College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology Hall of Fame.
