Dewitt Carter was first elected to the Poarch Creek Indian Tribal Council in 2016. Raised in the Poarch community, he grew up with strong family and community values, learning the importance of hard work, honesty, and helping others. Overcoming early hardships, he developed a deep compassion for his fellow Tribal Citizens and a commitment to serving his community. After graduating from Escambia County High School in Atmore, AL, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for five years. He also attended college in Colorado Springs, CO, before returning home to Alabama. Now, as a local business owner for over 20 years, he takes great pride in supporting both the Poarch community and the surrounding areas.
As a Tribal Council Member, Dewitt has served in numerous leadership roles, including a direct appointment by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to the Juvenile Justice Board and participation in the intertribal Land and Natural Resources Committee. He is passionate about responsible resource management and ensuring the Tribe’s long-term growth. His leadership has contributed to key projects such as the Perdido River Farms Meat Processing Plant and the expansion of Tribal economic ventures. Dewitt is dedicated to fostering unity and ensuring that every Tribal Citizen has access to the resources they need.
For more information contact: Teresa Franklin, Administrative Assistant at (251) 368-9136 ext. 2202
Dewitt Carter’s early years were shaped by significant hardships, as his mother struggled to provide for him and his siblings. Learning self-sufficiency at a young age, he helped cultivate food for his family, an experience that instilled a deep sense of resilience and compassion. He recalls that those with less often showed the greatest generosity, sharing what little they had with others.
Determined to overcome these challenges, Dewitt pursued his education, ultimately graduating from high school and serving in the U.S. Air Force for five years. He attended college in Colorado Springs, CO, before returning to Alabama, where he established a successful business. His experiences reinforced his desire to lead and serve his community, leveraging the Tribe’s resources for the benefit of all members.
Dewitt was elected to the Tribal Council in 2016 after years of engaging with Tribal Citizens and earning their support. Over his tenure, he has taken on numerous responsibilities, including:
His work as a Tribal Council Member is anything but routine, with responsibilities ranging from responding to emergencies to making strategic decisions that affect all Tribal Citizens. In 2024, much of his focus was on analyzing the potential impacts of gaming legislation in Alabama, ensuring that Tribal interests remain protected.
Dewitt has played an integral role in expanding the Tribe’s economic footprint, supporting initiatives such as:
He also helped establish the Poarch Creek Community Center (PCCC), a vital hub for cultural education and Tribal engagement. Witnessing the joy and pride Tribal Citizens take in participating in cultural classes and performances has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his leadership.
Dewitt’s leadership philosophy has evolved over time. While he initially focused on addressing individual concerns, he now prioritizes decisions that create lasting benefits for the entire Tribe. His goal is to ensure that no Tribal Citizen is left in need and that the Tribe continues to grow as a strong, unified family.
Beyond his Tribal Council duties, Dewitt remains deeply involved in community activities. During summer weekends, he enjoys scuba diving, spearfishing, hunting, and attending Tribal events. He values the dedication of Tribal staff in organizing cultural and community programs and makes an effort to support these efforts.
Dewitt takes great pride in serving as a leader that Tribal Citizens can trust and rely on in any situation. He remains committed to continuous personal and professional growth, striving to make decisions that will have a lasting, positive impact on the Tribe and its future generations.
Dewitt is the son of Dewitt Sells and Grace Philyaw, and the grandson of Joe Philyaw, Jr., and Eugene and Roberta Sells. He is a proud father to four children: Alyson, DJ, Candace, and Noah.
He remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the Poarch Creek Indians and is committed to honoring the trust placed in him. Looking forward, Dewitt hopes to continue building a prosperous future for all Tribal Citizens while preserving the rich heritage of the Poarch Creek Indians.
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