WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Governors Association (NGA) Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the Executive Committee of the NGA announced the appointment of Dr. Brandon Tatum as the Acting Executive Director of the NGA. This transition follows the retirement announcement of Executive Director Bill McBride.
“As we look to the future, I’m excited to see the new, innovative ways governors can come together and reignite the American Dream in our states,” said Governor Stitt. “We are deeply grateful for Bill’s leadership and commitment to the NGA’s mission, and I’m grateful for Brandon’s willingness to step in and lead at this critical juncture.”
Dr. Tatum most recently served as CEO of the Regional University System of Oklahoma, overseeing six public universities. He previously served as Chief of Staff to Governor Stitt and as a senior advisor for the NGA Chair Initiative, Reigniting the American Dream. Dr. Tatum’s experience spans education, workforce, and policy innovation, with a focus on creating opportunity and strengthening state capacity.
As part of this transition, Fagan Harris will join the NGA as Senior Advisor. Harris previously served as Chief of Staff to Governor Moore and is nationally recognized for his strategic leadership and experience in government and nonprofit sectors.
“Nothing can replicate the experience of working for a governor, and that’s why it is so important to have leaders who have led states,” said Governor Moore. “Fagan was a vital leader for my administration helping make progress in our state and leading it through crisis. It’s been a privilege to get to know Dr. Tatum – his mindset and leadership are exactly what the NGA needs at this moment. These two will help advocate for commonsense, bipartisan solutions the states need in Washington, D.C.”
“I’m grateful for the confidence the Executive Committee has placed in me,” said Dr. Tatum. “Governors sit at the intersection of policy and impact, where decisions translate directly into results for families, businesses and communities. The state level is where real solutions take shape, and it’s an honor to support that leadership and help NGA advance meaningful, results-driven outcomes.”
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 has started the process to find the permanent Executive Director, and interested applicants may send their resume to executive search firm Heidrick and Struggles.
