More than a century ago, in 1908, the governors of the nation’s states and territories established a bipartisan trade association — the National Governors Association. The goal was to create a forum where there could be dialogue about common problems and a sharing of ideas regarding solutions. In 1962, a similar association — the National Lieutenant Governors Association — was created by lieutenant governors to pursue parallel goals.

At the NLGA’s annual meeting this summer, Iowa Lt. Gov.Adam Gregg had the honor of being chosen chair-elect for one year to be followed by becoming chair of the association in August 2023.

“I’m honored to be chosen by my peers to assume this leadership role,” Gregg said, expressing his enthusiasm for the challenges ahead. “The NLGA is a place where lieutenant governors share ideas and best practices to advance opportunities for our states and our constituents. We work to find effective ways to address new problems, foster cooperation between states and generally improve effectiveness in our states.”

To discharge this role effectively, Gregg will have to wear many hats. According to the NGLA, it “provides a medium for networking and the exchange of essential information among officials, including international exchange, while providing timely discussion of topics from agriculture, rural affairs, and transportation to housing and health. NLGA actively promotes STEM education in the states by providing specific STEM education support in states.”

In undertaking that task with distinction, Gregg has a mentor close at hand. Gov. Kim Reynolds served as NLGA chair from 2015 to 2016.

Gregg also brings impressive personal credentials to leading the NLGA. A 2006 graduate of Central College, he studied law at Drake University and graduated with the high honors. After a brief time in private practice, Gregg began government service working on the team at the governor’s office. He also was Iowa’s State Public Defender in 2014 and the Republican candidate for Iowa attorney general that same year. Gregg is Iowa’s 47th lieutenant governor. He is chair of the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform and co-chair of the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative. In addition to his work with NLGA, Gregg has been active in the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association, serving as its chair.

The Messenger congratulates Gregg on being selected to lead the NLGA. His outstanding service to our state positions him well to be an exceptional chair for that important bipartisan organization. We think his peers chose wisely in asking him to accept this demanding role.

Iowa has a superb state government. We hope state leaders elsewhere will benefit from learning more about what is being accomplished here.