Osage Nation Principal Chief Elect Joe Tillman was born and raised in Fairfax, Oklahoma, where he developed a deep appreciation for community, service, and the enduring values of the Osage people, ways, and land. A graduate of Fairfax High School, he earned an athletic scholarship to attend Oklahoma State University, where he played football from 1978 to 1981. His experiences as a student-athlete helped shape the leadership, discipline, and perseverance that have guided his professional and public service career.
After gaining experience in his family’s Indian gaming business, Chief Elect Tillman returned to Oklahoma State University to complete his bachelor’s degree and later earn a master’s degree. Following graduation, he served at Bucknell University from 1999 to 2001 before returning to Oklahoma to work with Fiducial/Core Business Solutions, where he became a partner.
Driven by a desire to help build and strengthen the modern Osage Nation government, Chief Tillman later transitioned from the private sector to public service. He joined the Osage Nation under the administration of then Principal Chief Johnny Red Eagle as a Division Leader, where he gained firsthand knowledge of the Nation’s programs, operations, and workforce. This experience deepened his understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Osage people and reinforced his commitment to advancing effective, responsive government.
In 2016, Chief Elect Tillman was chosen by Osage voters to serve in the Osage Nation Congress. During his congressional tenure, his colleagues elected him to serve as Second Speaker from 2018 to 2019 and Speaker from 2019 to 2020. In these leadership roles, he worked to strengthen governance, promote accountability, and support initiatives that advanced the long-term prosperity and sovereignty of the Osage Nation.
As Principal Chief, Joe Tillman remains committed to honoring the Nation’s heritage while building opportunities for future generations. His leadership is grounded in service, collaboration, and a steadfast dedication to strengthening Osage sovereignty, supporting economic growth, and improving the quality of life for all Osage people.
Chief Tillman and his wife, Cindy, have been married for more than 20 years and reside in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. They are proud parents of their daughter, Cordelia (“Cory”) Tillman, a registered nurse.