Chief Hoskin names Jerri Killer to lead housing program, Enlow takes advisory role

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. on Thursday named Jerri Killer of Tahlequah as Executive Director of Housing Programs, succeeding Todd Enlow who will transition to advisory role.

"Todd Enlow's departure leaves an unanticipated void in high priority policy area," said Chief Hoskin. "Fortunately, we did not have to look far to find his successor. Jerri Killer is a leader we can count on and one who will bring two decades of experience with the Housing Authority to one of the most critical roles in all of Cherokee Nation. She has led us through some challenging times before and I know she can lead again."

Killer presently serves as HACN's deputy director, a role she has held since 2022. From 2020 to 2022 Killer led HACN as its interim executive director. Killer helped implement the tribe's landmark Housing, Jobs and Sustainable Communities Act, the Hoskin/Warner administration legislation representing the largest housing investment in Cherokee Nation history.

"I am honored to serve as Executive Director of Housing Programs for the Cherokee Nation," Killer said. "Housing is about creating stability and opportunity for Cherokee families, and I have seen firsthand the positive impact this work has on our citizens. I am grateful to the administration for their trust and confidence. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated employees and partners to build stronger communities as we expand housing opportunities across the Cherokee Nation."

Killer will lead an HACN workforce of over 260 and a budget of over $120 million, composed of federal and tribal funds. HACN programs range from low income apartments to rental assistance, to housing rehab to home ownership programs.

"Jerri Killer is a hardworking and compassionate leader," said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. "We are making great strides in improving housing conditions in the Cherokee Nation, but Jerri understands we cannot afford to slow down, and I believe she will keep up the pace."

Enlow, who serves as both Executive Director of Housing Programs and Senior Advisor to the Hoskin/Warner Administration, has served in various leadership capacities in the administration since Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner took office in 2019.

From 2019 to 2021 Enlow served as Chief of Staff, a member of Chief Hoskin's cabinet. In 2021, Enlow left employment with Cherokee Nation, but remained with the Hoskin/Warner administration as a special advisor. Enlow returned in a full time capacity in January 2023, as Executive Director of Housing programs and senior advisor, part of Chief Hoskin's sub-cabinet.

"Todd Enlow has helped lead us through challenging times, helped us seize many opportunities to move our nation forward and has made me a better chief," said Chief Hoskin. "We will miss his presence and leadership and his decision to leave Cherokee Nation presents leadership challenges for us, but we are of course appreciative that he will remain with us in an advisory capacity.

Chief Hoskin named Enlow his administration's Special Advisor for Community Development, a part time consulting role through a yet-to-be determined transition period of time. Chief Hoskin said Enlow's guidance will be needed on two major projects presently under his management, Cherry Tree G.R.O.W and the tribe's new crisis shelter located in Tahlequah.

"It has been an honor to serve alongside the dedicated employees of the Cherokee Nation and the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation. Their hard work and commitment embody the Cherokee value of Gadugi and have made a lasting difference in the lives of Cherokee families and communities," Enlow said. "After three and a half years of service away from my family, I look forward to spending more time with them while knowing this important work will continue. I am grateful to Principal Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner for their trust, friendship and support, and I am proud to have played a small role in serving the Cherokee people."

Enlow has served in various capacities at the Cherokee Nation at different time periods during every administration since Chief Wilma Mankiller.

"Todd Enlow is a leader who has given so much to the Cherokee Nation," said Deputy Chief Warner. "Although we absolutely wish him well in the next chapter of his career, his decision to depart Cherokee Nation is bittersweet and will leave a void that Chief Hoskin, executive leadership and I will need to fill."

Killer will succeed Enlow as leader of HACN when Enlow leaves his post on Friday, June 5. Chief Hoskin says he has no plans to fill the role of senior advisor, with those duties shared across existing administration leadership.