(JUNEAU) - Senator Gene Therriault is one of 40 state leaders from across the nation selected for the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by The Council of State Governments.

"I am honored to have been selected as a participant for this year's Toll Fellowship Program. I look forward to the discussions with other leaders from around the nation. This is an opportunity to learn from the experiences of other state officials and educate them regarding the specifics of Alaska issues," Therriault said.

The annual week-long seminar, to be held June 26-July 1 in Lexington, KY, is named in honor of Henry Toll, a Colorado senator who founded CSG in 1933. Its aim is to develop the next generation of leaders from all three branches of state government. This year's dynamic program will focus on trends analysis, policy development and institutional changes. The experience gives these leaders perspectives they would not ordinarily obtain during the course of their regular governmental service.

Therriault 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.

A Republican from North Pole, Therriault has served as Senate President since 2003. He was in the House of Representatives from 1993 to 2000, and co-chair of the House Finance Committee from 1997 to 2000, when he was elected to the Senate.

"During his years as Finance co-chair, he was in charge of legislation and the capital budgets. As the hours got late, the members tired, and the pressure of the legislative session mounted, Gene was a constant source of clear and rational thinking-a trait he is well known for," said Sean Parnell, a former legislator and now deputy director of the Division of Oil and Gas, in a letter recommending Therriault for the fellowship.

With offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Kentucky, New York, Sacramento and Washington, D.C., The Council of State Governments is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit public service organization. The Council serves 50 states, six U.S. territories and commonwealths. In addition to the Toll Fellows Program, CSG provides legislative conferences and executive workshops, research information and multi-state problem-solving opportunities for state governments.

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04-17-04: Senate President Gene Therriault explains the benefits to Alaska of his of being selected to attend this year's Henry Toll Fellowship Program.

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