Current and Former Governors Gather to Reflect on 100 Years of State Leadership

PHILADELPHIA—Commemorating 100 years of state leadership, current and former governors joined together today in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to reflect on a century of gubernatorial successes and share unique insights on the important role governors play in shaping public policy.

In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt hosted the first meeting of the nation's governors at the White House to discuss conserving America's natural resources. Following that inaugural meeting, governors decided to form an association through which they could come together to discuss mutual concerns and act collectively.

"It is an honor to serve as NGA chair during this momentous occasion. Today's event is especially unique because we are joined by both current and former governors spanning more than 40 years of state leadership," said NGA Chair Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. "In the 100 years since the first gathering at the White House, governors from across the nation have made their participation in NGA a focal point of their activities to help shape federal policy and develop innovative solutions to the country's challenges."

"I am thrilled to host the NGA centennial celebration here in Pennsylvania ," said NGA Vice Chair Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell. "The city of Philadelphia – with its rich and significant contributions to American history – is the perfect place to bring everyone together to highlight this century of gubernatorial leadership and create a vision for the next 100 years that continues to build on strong state-federal partnerships."

Through NGA, governors identify priority issues and deal with matters of public policy and governance at the state and national level. The initiatives and policy recommendations that come from NGA have served as catalysts for national change. During today's sessions, current and former governors discussed a variety of topics focused around the areas of leadership, federalism, competitiveness and social welfare.

"The sessions today are an opportunity for governors to cross the decades, reflect on 100 years of successes and challenges and create a vision for the next 100 years that continues to build on strong state-federal partnerships," said Gov. Pawlenty. "Whether focusing on education, health care or energy, governors work together across partisan lines to effect positive changes."

As part of the centennial celebration, NGA partnered with the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and the University of Pennsylvania Press to publish two books: A Legacy of Leadership: Governors and American History and A Legacy of Innovation: Governors and Public Policy. These books – authored by journalists, academics and historians – highlight gubernatorial achievements and specific public policy initiatives through the decades. NGA also partnered with the Pearson Foundation to create companion study guides that will help students study gubernatorial history.

The NGA Centennial Meeting continues through Monday, July 14. To learn more about NGA, visit www.nga.org. To view additional information about the centennial celebration, visit www.nga.org/centennial.

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Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s, most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.