With a career rooted in public service and a reputation for precision and integrity, Samantha Jean Day has built a legacy of leadership within Oklahoma’s legal landscape. In her role as senior manager of collections at Cherokee Nation Entertainment, the gaming and hospitality company of the Cherokee Nation, she has built a distinguished career marked by dedication and resilience.
Since 2023, Ms. Day has leveraged her experience in collections to excel in this role. Her journey with CNE began in 2017 when she joined as a senior administrative assistant in the finance department. Over the years, she advanced to become an executive staff coordinator and later an executive paralegal, working closely with C-level executives and playing a vital role in significant projects. She was instrumental in building a Credit and Collections department for the commercial gaming arm of the company.
Ms. Day’s educational background includes a high school diploma, legal secretary courses, and professional certifications that have shaped her career. She maintains both certified paralegal and advanced certified paralegal certifications through NALA, The Paralegal Association. Her specialized credentials include contract management, trial practice, e-discovery and real estate principles. These credentials have enhanced her ability to navigate complex legal matters and lead administrative functions across multiple sectors.
Ms. Day’s professional journey began at the Adair County District Attorney’s Office, where she entered the workforce as a secretary at the age of 18. Her strong work ethic and growing legal acumen quickly set her apart. She was later invited by the assistant district attorney to join him in private practice, where she worked with him for nearly two decades. There, she specialized in bankruptcy and probate law and took on additional responsibilities as law office manager. She sat for the Certified Paralegal exam in 1997 and has held that credential since. Her career continued to evolve, leading to a successful run for public office.
As a court clerk in Adair County, Ms. Day led one of her most impactful projects, the automation of the county’s court system. She and her team dedicated significant time and effort to convert records and processes to an online platform, streamlining court operations for the benefit of both the public and legal professionals alike. After relocating, she served as a district court bailiff at the Tulsa County District Court, further contributing to the integrity of Oklahoma’s judicial system by maintaining courtroom order and managing the jury process during criminal trials.
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Ms. Day has been actively involved in civic organizations, dating back to 1992. She has served as a board member and volunteer for the Adair County Sheltered Workshop, the Christian Children’s Fund and the Adair County Environmental Health Initiative, which began as an Anti-Drug Coalition. Her commitment to community service extends to volunteering with adult handicapped persons, drug free programs and tobacco and alcohol awareness programs.
Born in Stilwell, Ms. Day is a mother to four sons and finds joy in spending time with them and her grandchildren. For nearly twenty-five years, baseball was more than just a pastime, it was a defining thread in the fabric of her family’s life, shaping memories and becoming a cherished tradition. She and her husband look forward to watching the grandchildren participate in sporting events, especially baseball and softball. Whether traveling together or enjoying peaceful moments at home, she values the simple pleasures of life shared with her husband.
As Ms. Day reflects on a career defined by service, leadership and transformation, she looks forward to returning to Adair County on occasion. There, she hopes to make a positive impact on her hometown through continued volunteer work and community outreach. She looks forward to embracing a new chapter marked by deeper personal fulfillment and cherished moments with loved ones.