The Mission of East Coast Cherokees, Inc.

The Mission of the organization is exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including and for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. To provide a safe and clean environment for the community members and youth. In specific, the purpose of the organization shall be to:

  1. Maintain a viable organization representative of the members who elected its officers and Board Members.

  2. Provide training opportunities for community members.

  3. Promote programs which will provide improved educational, recreational, and social service opportunities.

  4. Provide youth development programs for youth.

  5. Aid in promoting our citizens in using our Native language.

  6. Share with one another the culture and heritage of Cherokees.

  7. Support other Federally recognized Native tribes in their endeavors.

East Coast Cherokee Board Members

  • Bill Anthony

    PRESIDENT

    A Cherokee Nation citizen, Bill Anthony is the founder and president of East Coast Cherokees. His family comes from the Spavinaw area. He is a Cherokee Warrior, having served in the Navy for 20 years, and he is the eldest living member of his Cherokee family. Bill lives in Winslow Township, NJ, with his wife and two dogs. He has 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and twin great grandkids on their way (June 2025). He is proud to be part of this group, and hopes that we continue to grow. 

  • Susan Baldridge

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Susan Baldridge has been a nursing assistant for more than 25 years. She is a mom of two and dog mom and bunny mom, as well as a proud citizen of Cherokee Nation.

  • Julie Cooper

    SECRETARY

    Julie Cooper is a project manager in health and welfare benefits services. She is a mom of five, wife, and dog mom of three. She is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

  • Kay Chubbuck

    BOARD MEMBER

    Kay Chubbuck is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. She is Vice President of Engagement & Learning at Longwood Gardens, and has also worked at the New York Botanical Garden, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Princeton University, and the US Naval Academy. She holds a doctorate from Oxford University. Kay lives in Hunterdon County, NJ, with her husband, son, and dog. 

  • Matt Hall

    BOARD MEMBER

    Matt Hall is a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. With over 27 years in education, he is currently the Science Department Supervisor at Hunterdon Central Regional High School in New Jersey, holding advanced degrees in education and leadership from Rutgers, Ramapo, and Saint Peter’s University. He lives in Hunterdon County, NJ, with his wife of 26 years, their three sons, two dogs, and six chickens.

  • Sonya Hough

    BOARD MEMBER

    Sonya Hough is a citizen of both the Cherokee Nation and the Delaware Tribe of Indians. She manages Government Relations for CARFAX and has over 20 years of advocacy experience in several fields including health, insurance, education and native affairs policy. She holds a history degree from Marshall University and a Masters in Public Administration from Villanova University. She serves as Board Advisor to Indigenous People's Day Philadelphia. Sonya currently lives in Downingtown, PA, with her daughter, husband, three dogs, three cats, five chickens, and a draft mule.