The Council of State Governments

Now introducing the 2025 CSG National Officers: - CSG National President, Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green - CSG National Chair, Illinois Sen. Elgie Sims - CSG National Chair-Elect, California Assemblymember Mike Gipson - CSG National Vice Chair, Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton These individuals play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the mission of our organization. This year, they will convene state leaders to learn from each other and identify public policy priorities for CSG to focus on. “I’m proud to welcome this group of remarkable leaders, who, through their steadfast dedication to public service, have exhibited the core values of CSG,” said David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO. “I look forward to working under their leadership as we continue to help state officials get things done for the citizens they serve.” https://lnkd.in/eHh4FrSN

We had a wonderful experience collaborating with our CSG National colleagues to spotlight the bipartisan spirit and remarkable civility demonstrated in the Alaska State Legislature—an especially timely and important topic. A big thank you to Senate President Gary Stevens, Senator Löki Gale Tobin, (CSG West Vice-Chair), and Representative Alyse Galvin—who will also lead this year’s ALTA session at our Annual Meeting—for sharing their experiences. And kudos to CSG National’s Reggie Beehner, Andrew Long, and CSG West’s Jonathan Lennartz for bringing it all together.

Alaska’s legislature offers an example of how bipartisan coalitions can support cooperation in policymaking. Supported by an electoral system that encourages cross-party collaboration, Alaska lawmakers have formed bipartisan (and sometimes multipartisan) coalitions that emphasize civility and compromise. Hear from Sen. Löki Tobin (D-Anchorage), Rep. Alyse Galvin (unaffiliated-Anchorage) and Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak Island and southern Kenai Peninsula) about how they make civility a priority. https://lnkd.in/eTMe3jra

Last week, CSG East convened legislators across the region for their Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum in Providence, Rhode Island. Rhode Island Speaker of the House Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie Lawson welcomed hundreds of state and provincial leaders to the "Ocean State" for a week of impactful speakers and professional development. While the theme of this year's meeting was housing, sessions covered a wide range of topics in public policy including agriculture and rural development, education and workforce development, energy and environment and more.

What does civility in public service look like to you? The 2025 CSG National Chair is shining a light on civility in public service. Sen. Elgie Sims is inviting state leaders to celebrate the ways they already reach across the aisle, build coalitions and work together on behalf of their constituents. You can make a commitment to civility — or share your civility story — at csg.org/civility.

These 48 state leaders, representing 34 states and U.S. territories and all three branches of government, make up the 38th CSG Henry Toll Fellowship class. 🏅 Upon their graduation in December, they will join a network of more than 1,400 alumni of the Toll Fellowship, including three sitting governors, three sitting lieutenant governors, five sitting secretaries of state, two sitting attorneys general, two sitting state treasurers, two sitting Senate presidents, four sitting state/territorial House speakers, seven sitting Supreme Court justices and more than 230 current state/territorial legislators.

What does it look like to lead with civility? That’s the question 2025 CSG National Chair Sen. Elgie Sims Jr. considered when he selected civility as the focus of his leadership initiative. He’s inviting state leaders to commit to centering civility in their service, and to recognize colleagues who lead with integrity and purpose. This initiative is an invitation: to lead with civility, to serve with intention — and to lift up others who do the same. Learn more about Sen. Sims’ civility initiative: www.csg.org/civility/ #NationalCivilityMonth

This year, CSG Midwest held its 79th Midwestern Legislative Conference, bringing together legislators from across the region in the picturesque city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Over four days, state and provincial policymakers connected through a mix of expert-led policy sessions, renowned speakers and professional development workshops. Conference sessions covered a range of topics, including energy, trade, education and more. (📸 Aspen Films)

🏅 Now introducing ... the 2025 CSG Henry Toll Fellowship Class. Made up of 48 public servants from 34 states and U.S. territories, representing all three branches of state government, these outstanding leaders comprise the 38th convening of this prestigious national leadership development program. “The challenges facing today's state leaders are daunting and the pace of change is accelerating,” said CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins, a former Kansas state senator and 1993 CSG Henry Toll Fellow alumnus. “Now, more than ever, our nation needs state leaders who know how to bring people together to get stuff done. The CSG Toll Fellows are among our nation's best leaders. I hope this program helps empower them to deliver results for the citizens they serve.” Since 1986, CSG has welcomed a new class of CSG Henry Toll Fellows to its community of elected and appointed state officials for this immersive five-day training. Learn more about this year's Toll Fellowship class here: https://lnkd.in/eH2VgpQp

Earlier this month, we celebrated Jason Moseley as he concludes 19 years of service with The Council of State Governments. Throughout his tenure, his leadership, insight and dedication have made him a true champion of the states. Jason’s remarkable impact was primarily felt through his service as CSG general counsel and, more recently, as interim executive director of CSG East, providing steady guidance and a trusted voice across the organization. A seasoned public servant, he previously held positions as assistant attorney general with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and director of policy development and executive advisor at the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. "Jason Moseley is among the most respected and admired members of the CSG team. During his 19 years of service, many of which he served as general counsel and deputy executive director, Jason has proven himself to be an invaluable colleague and friend. Jason has consistently stepped up and gone above and beyond to help CSG advance its mission. Most recently, Jason accepted the call to serve as the interim director of CSG East," said David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO. "Today is the start of his retirement. He plans to travel, and will no doubt find more time to pursue his passion of performing with his saxophones. Regardless of where the future takes him, he can always be proud of the positive difference he made at CSG. We wish him and his family well in the next chapters of life and we hope our paths cross often in the years ahead. He is and will always be a valued member of the CSG family. Thank you, Jason, and Godspeed." We wish Jason the best as he embarks on his next chapter.