Gregory E. Pyle served as Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma from 1997 until 2014, after serving more than 13 years as Assistant Chief of the tribe. Chief Pyle had been active in Choctaw government since 1975, when he was elected by popular vote to the Agricultural Board to oversee the Choctaw Nation Ranch at Tushka Homma, Oklahoma. Education had always been a priority for Chief Pyle. During his tenure, Chief Pyle initiated the Choctaw Language Program, including Internet interactive classes, accredited classes in public schools, and distance learning classes in universities and colleges. The Choctaw scholarship program was expanded to serve 5,000 students and a new career development program was started. Chief Pyle’s sincere interest in the history and culture of the Choctaw people encouraged enthusiastic participation in heritage-based events such as the annual commemorative Trail of Tears Walk, Pow-Wows, Choctaw signings, stickball games, and other Choctaw gatherings. Also under his leadership, a new hospital was constructed in Talihina, including a diabetes wellness center, a hospitality house, a recovery center, and a women’s treatment center. In addition, independent living communities for elderly were constructed in six towns, four child development centers were opened and five community centers were built. Chief Pyle received the SBA Region VI Minority Small Business Advocate of the Year, was named Distinguished Alumni at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and was named an honorary member of the Oklahoma State Troopers Association. He served on the boards of directors for the First United Bank, the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce, the National Indian Health Board, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Area Indian Health Board, where he also served as president.