WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA) Executive Committee, NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brandon Tatum as the Chief Executive Officer of the NGA. Tatum has been performing the role in an interim capacity since Nov. 1.
“I am honored to lead this storied organization into its next chapter,” said Dr. Tatum. “Governors provide the steady, principled leadership America needs right now, and it is a privilege to work alongside them and the incredible team at NGA to demonstrate what good governance looks like. The NGA is one of the last bastions of cross-aisle collaboration and a model for dignified debate that is sorely lacking in our politics right now.”
“I couldn’t be more pleased that my fellow governors have chosen Brandon Tatum to lead the NGA,” said Gov. Stitt. “Brandon knows governors’ priorities inside and out, and he brings a steady and calm leadership style matched with strategic thinking and innovation. This is a pivotal moment to reimagine the NGA and ensure it continues to serve governors in bold, forward-looking ways.”
“As I’ve gotten to know Brandon over the past few months, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by his vision and passion for the NGA’s work,” said Gov. Moore. “Bipartisan dialogue is more important than ever, and Brandon’s commitment to supporting governors, standing up for state’s rights and bringing both parties together is exactly what the NGA needs right now. I appreciate how Brandon has demonstrated leadership and relationship building in the previous 10 weeks serving as our interim.”
Tatum recently served as Senior Advisor for the NGA Chair’s Initiative, Reigniting the American Dream. He previously served as Chief of Staff to Governor Stitt and as CEO of the Regional University System of Oklahoma, where he oversaw six public universities, 42,000 students, and more than 8,000 employees. His career spans education, workforce, and policy innovation, with a focus on creating opportunity and strengthening state capacity.
The National Governors Association is the bipartisan organization of the nation’s governors, founded in 1908 to share best practices, coordinate policy, and strengthen the collective voice of states in shaping federal priorities. NGA collaborated with executive search firm Heidrick and Struggles over the past three months to evaluate candidates.
