Ten states working together to advance a strong, sustainable economy for the heartland

The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a nonprofit, bipartisan organization that brings together governors and their staff to work cooperatively on public policy issues of significance to the region. The MGA provides governors with the opportunity to foster regional development, attain grater efficienty in state administration, coordinate a regional agenda before Congress and the Federal government and facilitate the exchange of views and experiences on subjects of importance to the people of Midwestern states.

The reigon's governors offer practical approaches to issues that often serve as catalysts for national strategies and solutions. With regional concerns and objectives in mind, the MGA focues its efforts in three main policy areas:

• agriculture;
• economic development; and
• energy.

The MGA was created in December 1962 and its current members include the governors of the ten Midwestern states. Its efforts are led by the Executive Committee, which consists of the Chair, Vice Chair and Immediate Past Chair of the association. The govenrors serving in these positions are nominated and elected by their fellow Midwestern govenrors at the MGA's Winter Meeting in Februrary.

The MGA Staff Advisory Committee (SAC) support the Executive Committee on behalf of the region's governors. Appointed by their respective governors, these individuals represent Midwestern chief executives' top policy advisors. By remaining in regular contact with one another, including monthly meetings, the SAC members are able to ensure the governors' timely response to regional initiatives. Maintaining an ongoing interstate dialogue to identify the most pressing issues facing the region, the SAC oversees the development of cooperative efforts and joint policy statements.

Visit our governors' page to learn more about the current Midwestern governors.

 

MGA Staff

Jesse Heier is the executive director of the MGA. He staffs the MGA Staff Advisory Committee. He holds an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in communications, legal institutions, economics and government from American University and a master's of health science degree from the Johns Hopkins University. Before joining the MGA, he worked in the Maryland governor’s office where he focused on natural resources, energy and smart growth issues. Previously, he worked in the Office of Management Services at the National Governors Association.