Miko Beasley Denson was born in the Conehatta Community and raised in the Standing Pine Community. He graduated from Choctaw Central High School and completed his post-secondary education at Hinds Community College and Mississippi State University. A fluent Choctaw speaker, Miko Denson is Tribal Chief of over ten thousand members of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Miko Denson undertook the responsibilities of the office in 2007, becoming the third democratically-elected Chief since the adoption of the Tribe’s modern constitution. Upon entering the office, he assumed the title Miko, which is the Choctaw term for leader.

Miko Denson has extensive experience in Tribal government and Tribal industry. He was first elected to the Tribal Council in 1975. During his five terms, he served as both Secretary-Treasurer and Vice-Chief. He has served on numerous Tribal boards and has acquired positions on the National Indian Education Board and the Board of Directors for the United South and Eastern Tribes.

Miko Denson prides himself on being an open and accessible leader and believes in putting Chahta first. His adherence to this philosophy can be seen across the Reservation. He is passionate about improving life on the Reservation for Tribal members and in his two years as Chief, despite the country’s economic recession, he has made progress in reducing the backlog of Tribal housing, improving the healthcare system and upgrading educational facilities.

Supporting him in his duties is his wife of 38 years, First Lady Lena John Denson. Miko and First Lady Denson have two sons, a daughter, and six granddaughters.