Joe Tillman was born and raised in Fairfax, OK. After graduating from Fairfax High School, Joe received an athletic scholarship from Oklahoma State University where he went on to play football from 1978-1981. After working in the family’s Indian gaming business, Joe returned to Oklahoma State University from 1995-1998 where he completed his bachelor’s degree and went on to earn his master’s degree. Upon graduating, Joe worked for Bucknell University from 1999-2001. He then returned home to work for Fiducial/Core Business Solutions CPA firm. After selling his shares in the CPA firm, he wanted to contribute to the success of the newly established Osage Government. He was hired as a Division Leader under the Red Eagle administration. As Division Leader, he was able to gain an understanding of the different needs of the Nation’s programs and the work of the employees for the success and growth of the programs. In 2015, Joe made the decision to run for the Osage Nation Congress and was elected to serve in 2016 for a four-year term. He was elected by his peers to serve as the 2nd Speaker from 2018-2019 and Speaker from 2019-2020.
Joe has been married to Cindy Tillman of Pawhuska Oklahoma for 16 years. They have one daughter, Cordelia (Cory) Tillman who is currently attending the University of Oklahoma where she hopes to complete her degree in the medical field.
Joe has been married to Cindy Tillman of Pawhuska Oklahoma for 16 years. They have one daughter, Cordelia (Cory) Tillman who is currently attending the University of Oklahoma where she hopes to complete her degree in the medical field.