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Kentucky Speaker Pro Tempore David Meade (R-Stanford) will serve as the 2024-2025 chair-elect of the Council of State Governments – South after a unanimous vote during this year’s Southern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting.

“This is an incredible honor and I appreciate the support of my Kentucky colleagues, and those in all 15 member-states,” Meade said. “I’m looking forward to working closely with legislators across the region as we face so many of the same challenges. This organization provides lawmakers a chance to share what has worked and what hasn’t in their individual states, as well as an opportunity to work together to create stronger public policy that benefits our constituents.”

As chair-elect, Meade will work closely with the organization’s incoming chair, Alabama Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter. He will also serve as chair of the 80th Southern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting, which will be held in Lexington during the summer of 2026.

“The 2026 Annual Meetings will bring legislators, staff, and other guests from member states to our Commonwealth. This year’s meeting in West Virginia attracted approximately 2,000 people. I expect the same attendance when we host, which will be a great boost to Lexington and surrounding areas because many will visit tourist destinations across Central Kentucky while they are here,” Meade added. “I’m already hearing from folks who plan to bring their families to visit the lake, check out the Bourbon Trail, and hike at Red River Gorge. Folks always look forward to coming to Kentucky, which is a testament to our Commonwealth’s hospitality.”