The nation's Democratic lieutenant governors elected Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon to chair their association at their spring policy conference in Washington this week.
A former law school professor and prosecutor, Simon was elected Lt. Governor in 2010. She serves as Governor Pat Quinn's point person on education reform and has used her office to promote ethical leadership.
"I look forward to working with Democratic lieutenant governors from across the nation, as Illinois aims to increase college completion rates and build a stronger workforce," said Simon. "We must learn from each other's challenges and successes to ensure our nation moves forward."
In addition, DLGA members elected the following officers:
First Vice Chair: Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. A colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, Brown was elected Lt. Governor in 2006 and 2010, and has spearheaded initiatives addressing military base realignment and closure, veterans' affairs and health care.
Second Vice Chair: Minnesota Lt. Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon. A nine-year veteran of the Minnesota Senate, Prettner Solon was elected Lt. Governor in 2010. She is a strong voice for rural communities and Minnesota seniors, leading administration efforts to address long-term care planning and nutrition efforts. She most recently served as Treasurer of DLGA.
Secretary: Rhode Island Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts. Elected in 2006 and 2010, Roberts is Rhode Island's first woman Lt Governor. With an MBA in health care management, health care reform has been a priority for Roberts during her 10 year career in the Rhode Island senate and through her current leadership of chairing Rhode Island's effort to implement the Affordable Care Act and addressing the issue of affordable insurance for Rhode Island businesses.
Treasurer: Massachusetts Lt. Governor Tim Murray. First elected Lt. Governor in 2006 and reelected in 2010, is the former mayor of Worcester, MA and serves as the state's liaison to municipalities. He is scheduled to become Chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association in July and most recently served as Chair of DLGA.
The newly elected leadership of the DLGA will serve for two years.
The Democratic Lt. Governors Association is the only national political committee organized to support Democratic candidates and incumbents for the office of Lieutenant Governor across the country. The DLGA provides candidates with policy briefings, financial support, strategic consulting and training.
For more information link to: http://democraticltgovernors.
