WASHINGTON, D.C. – An Oklahoma man has been named interim director of National Governors Association.
Brandon Tatum, who recently served as chief executive officer of the Regional University System of Oklahoma and who, before that, served as Gov. Kevin Stitt’s chief of staff, has been named Acting Executive Director of the NGA. Tatum replaces Bill McBride, who retired earlier this fall.
Stitt praised the group’s decision, calling Tatum an excellent leader.
“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,” Stitt said in a media statement about the change. “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.”
Tatum said he was grateful for the NGA’s confidence.
“Governors sit at the intersection of policy and impact, where decisions translate directly into results for families, businesses and communities,” he said. “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 Gover-nors 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. The NGA has started the process to find the permanent executive director. Interested applicants may send their resume to executive search firm Heidrick and Struggles.