ATMORE, AL – The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has announced former Chairman Eddie L. Tullis as recipient of the 2024 Atmore Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes successful leaders of an organization, company, or industry whose long-term, active engagement over the entirety of their career and life has had a significant, positive impact locally.
Over the past 40 years, Tullis has served on the Tribal Council of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and has traveled the U.S. working on its behalf. He served as Tribal Chairman for 27 of those years (1978-2005) and also served as Vice Chairman of Creek Indian Enterprise Development Authority (CIEDA). As Chairman, Tullis played a crucial role in the tribe achieving federal recognition.
Tullis has been a longtime advocate for Indian Country serving in numerous leadership roles over the years in which he advanced interests that impact the welfare of Native Americans. He served as Vice President of the National Congress of American Indians – the first member of a non-federally recognized tribe to serve in that capacity. He also served as Chairman of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (OIE) and the National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Conference (NINAETC). Additionally, he was a member of the Board of Directors for the Trail of Tears Historic Trail Commission, AmeriCorps, United Bank, Leadership Alabama, and Leadership Atmore.
In addition to serving his tribe, Tullis also served in the Navy, and in the private sector, was employed for more than 35 years with Monsanto Company until his retirement in 1991.
“Mr. Tullis has dedicated his life to improving and advancing his people and his community,” said Stephanie A. Bryan, Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Chair & CEO. “It is an honor to have him represent us and our community by being a driving force in making Atmore, the Poarch Creek Indians, and the State of Alabama a better place to live and work.”
Tullis is also known for his steadfast commitment to philanthropy and has been a respected, effective leader advocating for Alabama 4-H, its programs, and the young people it serves. In recognition of his innumerable contributions of time, talent and resources to 4-H, Tullis was honored with an induction into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2022.
