Tishaura Jones: 2011 Henry Toll Fellow

St. Louis, MO – State Representative Tishaura O. Jones (D-63) is one of 48 promising state leaders from across the nation selected for the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by The Council of State Governments, September 9-14, 2011

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, media and constituent relations, and leadership and institutional changes. The experience gives these leaders perspectives they would not ordinarily obtain during the course of their regular governmental service.

Rep. Jones was nominated by former State Senator Harry Kennedy, with endorsements from Minority Leader Mike Talboy (D-37) and Georgia State Representative Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-93). Rep. Jones 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. This year’s applicant pool included state leaders from all three branches and represented 42 states and two US territories. Past Toll Fellowship graduates include governors, US Senators and members of Congress, as well as leaders in state government.

Representative Tishaura O. Jones represents the 63^rd District, which includes Downtown St. Louis and several historic neighborhoods South and West of Downtown. She was recently elected to her second term in the Missouri Legislature and is the Assistant Minority Floor Leader.

The Council of State Governments is the premier multi-branch 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.