For Immediate Release
Office of the Governor 
August 7, 2001
Contact: Gwenda Bond or Rusty Cheuvront (502)564-2611 

Governor Patton Elected to National Leadership Position

Providence, Rhode Island – Governor Paul E. Patton was elected by his fellow governors today as the 2001-02 Vice Chair of the National Governors Association at its annual meeting. Governor John Engler of Michigan was elected Chair.

Governor Patton is one of only three Kentucky governors to have been selected to assume a leadership position in this prestigious and influential organization. He will follow Governor Engler as the 2002-03 Chair.

“As Vice Chair of the National Governors Association, I will have the opportunity to move Kentucky to the national forefront on many issues that are important to the citizens of this state,” Governor Patton.

Governor Patton’s primary responsibility as Vice Chair will be to lead the NGA Center for Best Practices. The Center helps governors and key members of their staff to develop and implement innovative solutions to governance and policy challenges in their respective states. The Center is an information source on state innovations and best practices in education, energy, the environment, health, social services, technology, trade, transportation, and workforce development. The NGA Center also helps governors and their staffs learn about emerging issues and to develop cutting-edge solutions to stay ahead of problems.

Governor Patton will also Co-Chair the NGA’s Post-Secondary Education Initiative with Governor Jane Swift of Massachusetts. This is a three initiative designed to help states develop a seamless K-16 education system that develops individuals with skills to be effective in the New Economy.

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