Gov. Jared Polis has been elected as the chair of the National Governors Association, a nonpartisan political organization comprised of leaders from 55 states, territories and commonwealths. 

Polis replaced former Chair Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah as head of the organization.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt was elected the organization’s Vice Chair.

The governors assumed their new roles during the association’s summer meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. They will serve for one year. 

During the meeting, Polis also announced a priority initiative called “Let’s Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success.”

The initiative ultimately aims to prepare and equip American students in the face of stiff global competition.

“All Americans should have access to education that prepares them for success in life,” Polis said. “As the world changes and technology evolves, ensuring all students graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary for success is so important for U.S. economic competitiveness. Our initiative will explore how to better evaluate outcomes from state investments in education, and help drive improved outcomes for learners at all stages of their education journey.”

Polis said the association will release a “roadmap” to support governors and states to “drive innovation, bolster our capacity to measure what works and what doesn’t, and most importantly, prepare our students for successful futures and our economy for greater success.”