Linda Hughes O'Leary

Hughes O'Leary was born on April 9, 1950, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Clinton "Webb" Hughes and Frankie Lou Potter Hughes.^[1] She is a descendant of original Cherokee enrollees, with her grandparents being Ezekiel "Zeke" and Katie Kaiser Hughes, and John and Nina "Pug" Beck Hendren Potter.^[1] Hughes O'Leary graduated from Colcord High School and later attended Northeastern State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education with a minor in sociology.^[1]

Hughes O'Leary began her career at the U.S. Department of Human Services, where she worked for 19 years.^[1] During her time there, she specialized in child protection services, home studies, adult services, and medical clinic eligibility within the welfare department.^[1] Following her career in social services, she established her own bail bond business in Oklahoma, where she has been operating for over 15 years as of 2003.^[1]

In 2003, Hughes O'Leary and Melvina Shotpouch were elected to represent the multi-member district 5 of the Cherokee Nation tribal council.^[2] She focused on issues such as education, housing, healthcare, and cultural preservation.^[1]

As of 2003, Hughes O'Leary resides in Jay, Oklahoma, with her husband, Larry O'Leary. They have three children.^[1]