Byron Bighorse

Born and raised in Tulsa, Byron graduated from Union High School. From there, he became a licensed aircraft mechanic and worked at American Airlines for 10 years. In 1993, he began working at a Cherokee Nation Bingo Outpost, where he worked just about every position – from Pull-tab Clerk to eventually becoming the Gaming Manager.

In 2005, he was hired by what is now Osage Casinos. During his time there he met the love of his life, Jennifer, who saw his potential and encouraged him to apply to Tulsa Community College to earn an associate degree.

“TCC provided me an affordable education with top notch curriculum and instruction,” he said.

Byron worked full-time while attending TCC. After receiving his associate degree, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree. He now serves as CEO of all seven Osage Casinos properties, where he oversees approximately 1,400 employees.

The recipient of several awards, Byron was named in 2018 one of Tulsa World’s Tulsans of the Year and in 2019 he was named one of the Journal Record’s Most Admired CEOs in Oklahoma and the Distinguished Alumni by Oklahoma State University’s American Indian Alumni Society. He serves on the Summit Club of Tulsa’s Board of Governors, as a board of director for the Tulsa Ballet, a board member for the Owasso Education Foundation and a member of the Young Professionals Organization of Tulsa.