Leadership Development

The Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS) embodies The Council of State Governments South’s mission of championing excellence in state government and providing nonpartisan forums for state officials who might rarely cross paths to share ideas. In addition to developing and enhancing leadership skills, the program provides participants a unique opportunity to foster connections, engage in conversations and take part in sessions designed to explore individual boundaries and perceptions.

Who Should Apply: New and mid-career state elected or appointed executive, legislative, and judicial branch officers. 

The Staff Academy for Governmental Excellence (SAGE) is a professional leadership development program for Southern state legislative, judicial, executive and agency staff. In addition to developing their personal and professional leadership skills, participants have the opportunity to build a network of their peers from across the Southern region. By shaping staff leaders, SAGE ultimately aims to provide the public with more effective state governments.

Who Should Apply: Staff from legislative, executive or judicial branches, new managers, and aspiring leaders in support positions. 

Enduring relationships and cross-pollination of systems that work result in more efficient government. The Legislative Staff Exchange Program (LSEP) is an opportunity for many staff members to participate, in either a formal or informal group dynamic. To date, legislative staff from Louisiana, Virginia and Oklahoma have participated in this program as hosts, visitors, or both.

Who Should Apply: Contact Angel Touwsma, Director of Marketing and Programs, to facilitate a pairing or hosting.

A standing committee in the Council of State Government South’s leadership, this group is comprised of legislative agency directors across CSG South 15 member states. Starting in 2022, the group will be led into a new era of leadership development and information incubation, opening itself up to all legislative, executive, and judicial agency directors and upper management. 

For more information: Legislative, executive, and judicial agency upper management should contact Jenny Guadalupe, Marketing and Programs Associate, for more information on current LSA Directors Group news. 

Conducted by in-house policy experts, CSG South provides numerous opportunities for policymakers to focus on the issues most relevant to state government, share ideas among their peers, and develop expertise on both the regional and national level. Stay connected on the issues facing states and the region through delegations and masterclass opportunities. 

For More Information: Contact Anne Brody, Director of Public Policy and Research, to find out more about masterclass topics, offerings, and events. 

Named after Council of State Government’s founder Henry Wolcott Toll, The Toll Fellowship is regarded as one of the nation’s premier leadership programs for state government officials. Held every year, the fellowship brings together 48 of the nation’s top officials from all three branches of state government to CSG headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, for an intensive five-day “leadership boot camp”. Fellows will be challenged physically and intellectually, with programs designed to stimulate personal growth and provide priceless relationship-building with other selected leaders.

Who Should Apply: Outstanding rising state government officials from all three branches of government; elected, appointed and merit officials may all apply.