DES MOINES—Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe officially became the new chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) today at the closing session of the NGA Summer Meeting. Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval was named vice chair.
At the session, Gov. McAuliffe unveiled his 2016-2017 chair’s initiative, Meet the Threat: States Confront the Cyber Challenge, which places states at the center of finding solutions to the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats facing the nation.
“I am truly honored to serve as chair of the bipartisan organization of my colleagues,” Gov. McAuliffe said. “Cyber crime is a growing threat to our states, territories and our nation. As governors, we must be prepared to combat this threat in order to protect the welfare of our citizens.”
A primary goal of the initiative is for states to develop strategies for strengthening cybersecurity practices as they relate to state IT networks, health care, education, public safety, energy, transportation, critical infrastructure, economic development and the workforce.
“Growing the cybersecurity industry will create the next generation of American technology jobs and stimulate economic growth in states across the nation,” Gov. McAuliffe said.
Over the next year, Gov. McAuliffe will be hosting several regional summits and bringing together policy leaders from every state, as well as private sector experts and federal partners, to highlight innovative practices and identify ways in which state-driven solutions can be replicated nationwide.
In addition, participating state teams will develop strategies for improving cybersecurity that they will present to their governors for consideration. The initiative will conclude in Virginia with the National Summit on State Cybersecurity, which will bring together representatives from each state, commonwealth and territory to share best practices and lessons learned.
Today at the closing session, governors also announced the members of their 2016-2017 Executive Committee:
- Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, chair;
- Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, vice chair;
- Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy;
- Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad;
- Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon;
- Montana Gov. Steve Bullock;
- North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory;
- Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam; and
- Utah Gov. Gary Herbert
The nation’s governors will next convene in February in Washington, D.C., for the NGA Winter Meeting. Next year’s Summer Meeting will be held in Providence, Rhode Island.
