MONMOUTH – Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth, is one of 40 state leaders from across the nation selected for the Toll Fellowship program. It is sponsored by the Council of State Governments.

Smith was nominated by House Majority Leader, Rep. John Richardson, D-Brunswick, with endorsements from Attorney General G. Steven Rowe and former state Sen. Marge Kilkelly.

The seminar is from June 26 to July 1 in Lexington, Ky. It is named in honor of Henry Toll, a Colorado senator who founded the Council of State Governments in 1933.

Its aim is to develop the next generation of leaders from all three branches of state government. The experience gives these leaders perspective they would not ordinarily obtain during the course of their regular governmental service.

Smith’s diverse professional background, demonstrated capacity as a leader on statewide issues, and record of accomplishments in public service made her a unique candidate. In addition to her ongoing experience as co-owner of a family farm, as well as years of working as a professional forester, she has also been a community and legislative leader on a wide range of issues.

She sponsored legislation that increased protections from sexual predators, for which the Maine Association of Police honored her with the Civilian Recognition Award.

Smith will spend the year as a member of Leadership Maine, a group of key stakeholders chosen by the Maine Development Foundation to study how to energize Maine’s economy while learning about different leadership styles and effective governing and management.

The Council of State Governments is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit public service organization. It serves 50 states, the five U.S. territories and commonwealths, as well as the government of Washington, D.C., and affiliate international members.

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