The National Governors Association (NGA) today named Vice Chair Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty as co-lead governors on Pandemic and Avian Flu.

The governors will focus on helping states to update their preparedness plans and working with the federal government to coordinate response strategies. Additionally, they will oversee an NGA Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) project that could include hosting regional workshops on the issue and offering technical support for developing and implementing state plans.