Washington State Rep. Mari Leavitt has been announced as a member of a prestigious leadership development program for state government officials. The Council of State Governments (CSG) selected Leavitt for the 2025 class of the CSG Henry Toll Fellowship, joining a cohort of 48 public servants hailing from 34 states and territories. The program, now in its 38th year, is recognized as the nation's premier program aimed at fostering leadership, collaboration, and innovation among state officials.
Leavitt's selection places her among an elite group of policymakers and public servants who will convene in Lexington, Kentucky, from today until next Tuesday for the fellowship's intensive training sessions. "I'm humbled and deeply honored to represent Washington state as a 2025 Toll Fellow and to join an extraordinary group of leaders from across the country," Leavitt expressed in a statement obtained by House Democrats WA. She underscored the importance of building skills to work across the aisle in today’s polarized political climate and looked forward to applying the insights gained to serve her community more effectively.
In the Washington State House of Representatives, Mari Leavitt has made significant contributions, representing the state's 28th District. She has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as the House deputy majority whip and as a co-chair on the Joint Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs. In her legislative role, Leavitt has championed various issues such as housing, behavioral health, and education. Her work has spanned from enhancing support for homeless youth to improving access to career and technical education, as well as apprenticeship opportunities.
The CSG Toll Fellowship has played a pivotal role in shaping leaders in state governments for over three decades. Notable alumni include governors, lieutenant governors, and Supreme Court justices among others. "The challenges facing today's state leaders are daunting and the pace of change is accelerating," said CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins, as recorded by House Democrats WA. He also stressed the necessity of leaders who can unite and deliver results amidst this swift change, which is precisely the caliber of leadership the CSG Toll Fellowship strives to foster.
CSG has consistently identified and nurtured top-tier state officials since 1986 through the Toll Fellowship, with its "graduate-level" programming designed to enhance the fellows' ability to lead and collaborate. The intensive week-long sessions are the foundation for establishing long-term, nonpartisan connections and enhancing the efficacy of state leadership. Leavitt's involvement in the fellowship is poised to amplify her impact in her ongoing service to Washington's 28th District and beyond.
