Charles Chief Boyd, known to most as “Chief Boyd,” is a Registered Architect and Managing Member in the full-service Architectural firm, THALDEN-BOYD-EMERY-ARCHITECTS, a Native American L.L.C.  Through his 43 plus years of practicing architecture, Chief has worked with over 57 Native American Tribes.  Over the last decade, he has worked with most of those Tribal clients on their Casino and Hotel / Resort projects.  Thus, he has become recognized as an expert Architect when it comes to Tribal Gaming projects.

Chief Boyd is a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and currently continues to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Cherokee National Historical Society.  He currently serves as the NIGA Associate Delegate to the Executive Committee, representing the NIGA Associate Members, and has supported NIGA in numerous activities through the years, such as his many trips to Washington, DC as part of “Legislative Impact Days on Capitol Hill.”  His active participation in other numerous organizations has led him to become a renowned and sought after speaker, instructor, and writer of publications.  His awards are many, including “Professional Firm of the Year, OK Native American Business Development Center, 2001.”

Chief received his Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Colorado in 1964 and immediately began his vast Native American client experience working with Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.  He lives in Tulsa with his wife of 44 years, Virgie Lou, and has raised three daughters, now grown with their own families.  For all who know him, he demonstrates a passion for Native America, helping to grow tribes into their true potential.