Tribal Leaders

Tribal Chief

Elizabeth "Libby" Rogers

was elected to serve as the Tribal Chief of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians on October 22, 2022 and assumed office on the following day, October 23, 2022. Prior to her election as Chief, she served two consecutive terms on the Tribal Council, where she gained a comprehensive understanding of the operations and success factors of various Tribal programs. Under Chief Rogers' leadership, The Jena Band of Choctaw Indians is committed to honoring their ancestors and working towards a shared vision of serving their community in the best way possible. With a focus on consistency and long-term planning, Chief Rogers aims to steer the Tribe towards a bright and prosperous future.

Councilwoman

Lacy Robbins McGuffee 

is a dedicated member of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, currently serving her second term as a Tribal Council member. A native of Jena, LA, she graduated from Jena High School in 2013 and received her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Louisiana State University of Alexandria in 2017. Lacy is also certified as a Tribal Court Legal Advocate by the National Tribal Trial College and the University of Wisconsin Law School (2021). Prior to her role on the Council, Lacy worked in various capacities for the Jena Band, including serving as the Domestic Violence Advocate, Tribal-FINS Officer in the Social Services Department, and Tribal Enrollment Specialist. Her passion lies in advocating for the betterment of her community, specifically in areas of Education, Health Care, Economic Development, and Sovereign Immunity, and preserving the cultural identity of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians.

Councilwoman

Christine Norris

is a highly respected member of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians and currently serving her last term on the Tribal Council before retiring in October 2024. She will have served on the Council for 43 years, including eight years as Tribal Chief and four years as Health Director. Christine's dedication and experience are highly regarded, as evidenced by her leadership as Board Chairman of the Inter Tribal Council of Louisiana and her service on the Board of Directors for the United South and Eastern Tribes. A native of Rapides Parish, Christine is a graduate of Tioga High School and attended Louisiana State University at Alexandria. Prior to joining the Tribal Council, she began her career at Pinecrest Development Center, retiring in 1996 as a Purchasing Agent. During her tenure for the state government, she served four years on the Louisiana Group Benefits Health Insurance Board, demonstrating her commitment to public service. Christine celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary in 2022 with her husband, Kenneth V. Norris. The couple has one son, Jason, and two grandchildren, Lane and Abby, who bring them immense joy. Her unwavering commitment to her family and her community is truly admirable, and her contributions to the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians are immeasurable.

Councilwoman

Christy Murphy

has been married for twenty-eight years to Audy Murphy, and we have one son, Taylor. In April 1999, I became employed with the Tribe as an assistant to the Tribal Chief. I then transitioned to the Education Department where I was responsible for administering the Tribe's incentive program and working with tribal children and adults pursuing higher education to meet the members' education needs. In 2005, I took over administering the Housing Department where my responsibilities included submitting numerous reports to governmental agencies and overseeing federal grant expenditures for the Department. I then began administering additional Tribal programs, which led to being named Tribal Administrator with the added duties of a role in the investments and finances of the Tribe. 

On July 27, 2004, I was appointed to the Tribal Council to fill an unexpired term. I was elected to the Tribal Council for a four-year term in 2006.

I have served on the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Tribal Council for 16 years thus far and my term will end in 2024 for a total of 18 years.  It has been a great honor to serve my people and our Tribe.

Councilwoman

Jessica Chelette

is a proud member of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians and currently serves as a member of the Tribal Council during her first term. She is a devoted mother of three and to her stepson, as well as a loving grandmother to three grandchildren. Jessica has been a dedicated nurse for over 17 years, and her commitment to helping others is evident in her work. In her free time, she enjoys various hobbies, including beading, sewing ribbon dresses, painting, and gardening. She is a goal-oriented individual who strives to make a positive impact in her Tribe, inspiring others to do the same. Jessica's unique family history is that the late Jerry Don Jackson is her uncle, and she is passionate about her heritage, working tirelessly to preserve and promote the rich cultural traditions of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians. With her diverse background and unwavering dedication to her Tribe, Jessica Chelette is an exceptional member, and her contributions are invaluable.