Linda Hughes O'Leary

Linda Hughes O'Leary (born April 9, 1950) is a Cherokee politician who served on the Cherokee Nation tribal council for district 5 from 2003 to 2007.

Linda Hughes O'Leary
Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor for the 5th district
In office 2003–2007 Serving with Melvina Shotpouch
Personal details
Born	(1950-04-09) April 9, 1950 (age 75) Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Citizenship	Cherokee Nation United States
Children	3
Education	Northeastern State University

Life

Hughes O'Leary was born on April 9, 1950, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Clinton "Webb" Hughes and Frankie Lou Potter Hughes.^[1] She is a descendant of original Cherokee enrollees, with her grandparents being Ezekiel "Zeke" and Katie Kaiser Hughes, and John and Nina "Pug" Beck Hendren Potter.^[1] Hughes O'Leary graduated from Colcord High School and later attended Northeastern State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in sociology.^[1]

Hughes O'Leary began her career at the U.S. Department of Human Services, where she worked for 19 years.^[1] During her time there, she specialized in child protection services, home studies, adult services, and medical clinic eligibility within the welfare department.^[1] Following her career in social services, she established her own bail bond business in Oklahoma, where she has been operating for over 15 years as of 2003.^[1]

In 2003, Hughes O'Leary and Melvina Shotpouch were elected to represent the multi-member district 5 of the Cherokee Nation tribal council.^[2] She focused on issues such as education, housing, healthcare, and cultural preservation.^[1]

As of 2003, Hughes O'Leary resides in Jay, Oklahoma, with her husband, Larry O'Leary. They have three children.^[1]