Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton was unanimously elected Chair of the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) at the group's annual meeting in Buffalo, N.Y. on Friday, July 25.

"Lieutenant Governors across the nation provide critical leadership to effectively confront the challenges before their states," Lawton said.  "It is a tremendous honor to be selected by my colleagues to lead the NLGA in times that call for bold vision and innovative collaboration in our bi-partisan work."

Lt. Governor Lawton joined the NLGA upon taking office in 2003, and has served on its executive committee ever since – as regional chair, treasurer, vice chair and now chair.

Lt. Governor Lawton authored the NLGA's “Health Care for All” resolution that passed with unanimous support.  Last year, she authored, sponsored and led to overwhelming passage the NLGA Energy Independence and Climate Protection Resolution. In 2006, she initiated the organization's partnership with Americans for the Arts and creation of the Lieutenant Governors Leadership in the Arts Award.