The leadership team includes Hawaii Gov. Josh Green returning as CSG National President, alongside California Assemblymember Mike Gipson as CSG National Chair
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 15, 2026) — The Council of State Governments (CSG) has elected four state leaders to serve as its 2026 national officers, positioning a new leadership team to advance the organization’s longstanding nonpartisan mission to champion excellence in state government. Elected at the annual CSG National Conference in December, the officers represent both the executive and legislative branches and offer unique perspectives from varied states, regions and territories.
The 2026 CSG national leadership team is comprised of the following officers:
- CSG National President: Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green
- CSG National Chair: California Assemblymember Mike Gipson
- CSG National Chair-Elect: Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton
- CSG National Vice Chair: Puerto Rico Senate President Pro Tempore Carmelo Ríos
“I’m proud to welcome this outstanding group of leaders, whose commitment to public service reflects the core values of CSG,” said David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO. “I look forward to working under their leadership as we continue helping state officials solve problems and deliver results for the people they serve.”
CSG national officers play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the mission of an organization that counts all states and territories as its members. They convene state leaders to learn from each other and identify public policy priorities for CSG to focus on. Additionally, they advocate for the interests of the states to the White House and Congress.
Green returns as CSG National President for a second consecutive term, becoming just the fourth governor to do so. Previous governors include Laura Kelly of Kansas (2020-21), Robert Cochran of Nebraska (1938-39) and Harold Stassen of Minnesota (1941-42). Illinois Sen. Elgie Sims transitions to CSG Immediate Past National Chair following his leadership in 2025, including hosting the 2025 CSG National Conference in Chicago and launching his Service with Civility initiative. “On behalf of CSG, I want to thank Gov. Green and Sen. Sims for their exceptional leadership and dedication over the past year,” Adkins said. “Their service helped strengthen CSG as a trusted, nonpartisan resource for state officials across the country.”