Ross Swimmer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ross Swimmer
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| 4th Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs | |
| In office 1985–1989 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Kenneth Smith |
| Succeeded by | Eddie Frank Brown |
| Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation | |
| In office 1975–1985 |
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| Deputy | Wilma Mankiller |
| Preceded by | W. W. Keeler |
| Succeeded by | Wilma Mankiller |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 26, 1943 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Margaret Swimmer |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Oklahoma (BA, JD) |
Ross O. Swimmer (born October 26, 1943) is an important leader. He served as the Special Trustee for American Indians. This role was at the U.S. Department of the Interior from 2003 to 2009. Before that, he was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Learning and School
Ross Swimmer went to the University of Oklahoma. There, he earned two degrees. He got a Bachelor of Arts degree. He also earned a Juris Doctor degree, which is a law degree. While in college, he was part of a group called Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
His Work and Career
Ross Swimmer is a member of the Cherokee Nation. He was elected as their Principal Chief. He held this important leadership role from 1975 to 1985. As Chief, he led the Cherokee people.
In 1985, he left his role as Chief. He took a new job in the U.S. government. He became the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs. This job is part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This bureau works within the U.S. Department of the Interior. It helps Native American communities. After he left, Wilma Mankiller became the new Chief of the Cherokees. She had been his Deputy Chief.
In 1987, Ross Swimmer visited East Germany. People there were very interested in American culture. His visit was exciting for them.
From 1995 to 2001, Swimmer was president of the Cherokee Group, L.L.C. This company helped Native American groups. They worked on government issues. They also helped develop businesses on Native American lands. He also worked with a law firm called Hall Estill. His wife, Margaret, is a partner there.
Swimmer also helped create a program. It was with the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. This program helped rural communities develop themselves.
In 2001, President George W. Bush chose Ross Swimmer for a new role. He became the Director of the Office of Indian Trust Transition. This office works to manage money for Native American tribes. It makes sure the accounting meets legal standards. This was part of a case called Cobell v. Kempthorne.
