Black Selected as 2007 Toll Fellow

Nashville, Tenn. – Senator Diane Black (R-Gallatin) is one of 40 emerging state leaders from across the nation that has been selected for the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by The Council of State Governments (CSG). The program is scheduled for Sep. 29 – Oct. 4, 2007.

The annual week-long seminar, named in honor of Henry Toll, a Colorado senator who founded CSG in 1933, seeks to develop the next generation of leaders from all three branches of state government.  This year's dynamic program, held in Lexington, Ky., focuses on trends analysis, policy development, crisis management and leadership and institutional changes. The experience gives these leaders perspectives they would not ordinarily obtain during the course of their regular governmental service.

Black was selected from many outstanding applicants by a committee of state elected and appointed officials as one of the most promising leaders of state government. Past Toll Fellowship graduates include governors, U.S. Senators and members of Congress as well as leaders in state government.

The Council of State Governments is the premier multibranch organization forecasting policy trends for the community of states, commonwealths and territories on a national and regional basis. CSG alerts state elected and appointed officials to emerging social, economic, and political trends; offers innovative state policy responses to rapidly changing conditions; and advocates multistate problem-solving to maximize resources and competitiveness. CSG promotes excellence in decision-making and leadership skills and champions state sovereignty.

After serving six years in the state House of Representatives, Black was elected to the State Senate in 2004.  In 2007 she was elected Chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus.  She serves on the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee.  

For more information about the Henry Toll Fellowship Program, please contact Krista Rinehart at (859) 244-8249.

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