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For Immediate Release
Tribal Contact:
Wilma Simpson
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
Ph (601) 650-1613
FAX (601) 650-3684
Email: wilma.simpson@choctaw.org
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Howard Billie Named as Health Center Director
CHOCTAW, Miss. – (January 10, 2008) – Howard Billie was named Director of the Choctaw Health Center in the regularly scheduled Tribal Council meeting on January 8, 2008.
In appointing Mr. Billie to the position, Tribal Miko Beasley Denson said he was confident in Billie's abilities.
"Healthcare for Tribal members is an ongoing issue for the Tribe and a priority of my administration. I feel comfortable in Howard's abilities. He is in tune with the medical staff from our doctors to administrative personnel. I am confident he will guard and protect the health and welfare of our tribal members," Miko Denson commented.
Billie currently resides in the Pearl River community and is a native of the Tucker community. He is the son of Paul and the late Kate Billie.
He has been serving in the capacity of Acting Health Center Director since September of last year. Billie has a strong background in health care spanning the past 31 years, with the past 23 years working for the Choctaw Health Department. He has a record of performance in the strategic planning, developing, marketing and management/administration of diversified health care services and the communication skills in Choctaw and/or English necessary to provide for hospital direction.
His past experience includes serving as the Director of Radiology Services, at which
time he expanded radiology services to include the CT Scan and Bone Densitometry modality. In addition he opened and supervised the Radiology Department for approximately ten years beginning in 1985, including planning and advocating for and acquiring the Mammography modality currently in service.
Billie also has been awarded the IHS Department Manager of the year and Technologist of the year awards, along with the award for designing the Logo still used by the IHS Radiology Services for the entire United States. Additionally, he served as Vice-President of Mississippi Society of Radiological Technologists.
He hold a Bachelor's of Science in Radiological Science from William Carey University.
He is married to Patricia Billie, an RN at the Choctaw Health Center, and has two children, Michael and Laine.
Council members present at the meeting also commended Billie for his service.
"He shows a true concern in the health center and a desire to improve. He knows the concerns of the Tribal people. I look forward to working with him and helping improve the lifestyles of the Tribal members," said Vice Miko Eddie Sam.
Council woman from Bogue Chitto, Diamond Hundley commented, "He took on a big task and overcame many obstacles. I believe he is going to need our support to get our heath care facilities where they need to be."
Billie accepted the position and thanked the council for entrusting him with the position.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tribal Council and Miko Denson for placing their trust in me. I would like to think this is just a start. Running the hospital is a challenge. We are going to try to change the hospital and find folks that can help us," said Billie. "When patients come through our doors, I want them to have a good positive feeling about our facility and services when they leave. I appreciate your sincere approach to me and I will do the best I can to satisfy the needs of our people."
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Please direct all questions to the Office of Public Information
at 601.650.1537.
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