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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| 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 important American leader. He was a civil engineer and a Republican politician from Oklahoma. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, McCaleb held many important jobs. He worked for the state government in Oklahoma. Later, he served as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs under President George W. Bush.
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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, leading 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 degree in Civil Engineering. Before becoming a politician, McCaleb worked as a civil engineer. In 1975, he became the first leader of the American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers. This group helped Native American architects and engineers.
Working in Oklahoma Politics
Serving in the State Legislature
In 1974, McCaleb was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He represented the 35th district as a Republican. This is a group of lawmakers who make laws for the state. In 1978, his fellow lawmakers chose him to be the House Minority Leader. This meant he was the main leader for his political party in the House. He kept this job until he left the Legislature in 1983.
Transportation Leader for Governor Bellmon
Governor of Oklahoma Henry Bellmon picked McCaleb for a big job. He became Oklahoma's first Secretary of Transportation. This new role was created in 1986. As Secretary, McCaleb was in charge of all transportation in the state. Governor Bellmon also made him the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. McCaleb held both jobs until 1991, when Bellmon's term ended.
During his time, he helped build several important roads. These included the Cherokee Turnpike, Kilpatrick Turnpike, Creek Turnpike, and Chickasaw Turnpike.
Leading the Good Roads Association
After leaving state government in 1991, McCaleb became the President of the Oklahoma Good Roads and Transportation Association. This group works to make sure Oklahoma has safe and good roads. He led this group until 1995.
Transportation Leader for Governor Keating
In 1995, Frank Keating became the new Governor of Oklahoma. Governor Keating also asked McCaleb to be his Secretary of Transportation. McCaleb also led the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. He kept these three jobs until July 2001. Then, he left to join President George W. Bush's team.
While working for Governor Keating, McCaleb helped extend the Kilpatrick Turnpike and the H. E. Bailey Turnpike. He also supported a plan to improve state highways. He oversaw the start of the Heartland Flyer, a passenger train service.
Working in National Politics
Helping President Reagan
President Ronald Reagan chose McCaleb to be part of the Indian Reservation Economies Commission. This group worked on improving the economies of Native American reservations.
Serving 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 meant he was the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This office manages about 56 million acres (230,000 km2) of land. This land is held in trust by the U.S. government for Native Americans and their tribes.
McCaleb stayed in this role until 2002. Then, he returned home to Oklahoma.
Service to the Chickasaw Nation
After working for the U.S. government, McCaleb started advising Bill Anoatubby. Anoatubby is the Governor of the Chickasaw Nation. McCaleb helped create long-term plans for the Nation's economy. Governor Anoatubby also appointed McCaleb to the board of directors for Chickasaw Community Bank. This bank is fully owned by the Chickasaw Nation. McCaleb also became the chairman of Chickasaw Nation Industries. This company helps the tribe with economic growth.
Personal Life and Honors
Neal McCaleb was married and had four children. He also had thirteen grandchildren. He passed away on January 7, 2025, at 89 years old.
McCaleb was honored many times for his work. He was a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. He was also in the Chickasaw Hall of Fame. Additionally, he was part of the Oklahoma State University College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology Hall of Fame.
