[00:00:00] Welcome back to another episode of The Political Life. We are back from our summer hiatus and we pick up right where we left off.
[00:00:12] In the last episode, Maggie Mick from MultiState was the guest host and she returns again today, this time to interview Jack Waldorf from the Western Governors Association. As usual, Maggie does a great job.
[00:00:28] Next week I return to the host seat where I will interview Matthew Gilbo, a prior guest and his recent experience looking for a job in the government relations field.
[00:00:39] Whether or not you are thinking about looking for a job or actively looking for a job, I think you will find this episode very informative. Again, I hope you enjoy this week's episode and I will see you next week.
[00:00:56] Well good afternoon. Thank you for joining us. This is Maggie Mick with MultiState and I am pleased to introduce you to Jack Waldorf, the new executive director with Western Governors Association.
[00:01:10] He has just passed the six month mark and I will formally introduce him and then hop into the conversation. But before we do that, I wanted to go through a couple of housekeeping items.
[00:01:22] This webinar is being recorded and will be made available to clients upon your request. So if you want to listen back to this conversation, you are welcome to.
[00:01:31] We encourage you and invite you to submit questions to the chat via the chat box or direct message. We will start with a couple of questions for Jack and then open it up to everyone.
[00:01:45] We just asked that you supply your name and organization so that he is the most context for answering your question. And full disclosure of this webinar will be broadcast as an episode of the political life podcast.
[00:02:01] With that said, the questions from our clients will not be part of that rebroadcast. They will be edited out. But we do hope you'll tune in to the political life when it's posted here in a week or so.
[00:02:13] So welcome to everyone who joined us live and to Jack. Thank you for hopping on today's zoom and having this conversation. We're thrilled that you joined WGA and are now leading the organization.
[00:02:26] Jack became the sixth executive director of WGA in January 2023. He oversees the organization's efforts to support and advance bipartisan priorities on behalf of the governor's from 22 of the western most states and territories.
[00:02:42] And prior to joining WGA, he led the federal advocacy activities for the University of Colorado see you system, which is comprised of four campuses across Colorado's range. So welcome Jack. It's a pleasure to see you again.
[00:03:00] So in terms of you taking on the staff lead at WGA, your background is primarily in federal affairs and some stint on Capitol Hill. What attracted you to the position once it became available and how did you learn about the opportunity at WGA?
[00:03:20] Well, first and foremost, I just appreciate being here. It's an honor. You know, I think we first met I think a couple weeks on to the job out in DC and event and you know, we discussed doing this.
[00:03:30] So I'm glad we're able to do it. And for your patience, let me get my legs under me a little bit in the new role. And as you said, just reached that six month mark. So it's just an honor to be here.
[00:03:40] So I think with WGA, I mean, it's you know, it's a it's been an organization that has been around for nearly 40 years next year is actually our 40th anniversary. But it's it's been an organization with just a sterling reputation.
[00:03:52] And you know, I think I as a policy wonk myself as you said someone who's, you know, mostly in my career been on the federal side and activities and both in DC as well as out here doing federal relations for the University of Colorado.
[00:04:06] You knew all the great work WGA was doing. It would pop up in the news from time to time you'd see, you know, see go to events and you know, see just activities that they were involved in year round on various issues of importance to the West.
[00:04:19] And, you know, so I knew about it. You know, I hadn't really been to meetings before and hadn't really seen how the sausage was made, you know, behind the curtain, so to speak. But, you know, once once approached about perhaps, you know, once once it was
[00:04:35] it was we the community of one in the gym was retiring looking for a new executive director. It was one of those opportunities that was just way too good to pass up. And so I think for me to put my hat in the ring as part of that process was was certainly something that I was eager to do and happy to do and then you know going through the process
[00:04:55] of just reinforced, you know, the decision to do that because I love my job at the University of Colorado and see you along myself so it was, you know, advocating for something that met something for me personally.
[00:05:08] And that's always been my MO is really find a job and find you know it's it's more than just the job but really something that feeds your value system and something that you can be a part of and that's bigger than yourself and that's always been my guiding light for my professional career.
[00:05:22] And so WJ certainly fit that bill. And so thankfully that process worked out was, you know, offered the job and for me it was an opportunity of a lifetime so you know here we are now that was back in December so
[00:05:35] And one, one of the I think attributes that you bring to that position is your federal strength I think that the voice of WJ and Congress is actually women is trusted and respected so we'll talk more about the functions of WGA and your policy work here in a little bit but I do think that
[00:05:52] I think that's a nice pairing that they brought on brought on someone with really strong federal expertise. So we just passed the six month anniversary like you mentioned, what are your biggest takeaways now that you're on the state side which is the better side
[00:06:07] of your first season your first annual meeting. Have you been able to accomplish any of your short term goals and what's your long term vision for the organization.
[00:06:16] No, I mean, that's a great question I think, you know, we just we keep crossing first off my checklist right so you know we just did our first annual meeting that I was a part of back in Boulder back in June.
[00:06:31] And then we did our first Western policy round table flat. It's one of our forums that we do on an annual basis with the Western prosperity round table.
[00:06:40] We did that in Bozeman and may so that was my first you know we've done just a number of these new first things that it's it's nice to check those off and, you know, you hear about them and be able to do that I think so.
[00:06:52] And just a few months that you know I will say to Jim Augsbury my predecessors credit is, you know it's nice to be given the keys of a car that's running pretty darn well right and it's, you know there's not every organization or a new leader coming into an organization has that
[00:07:07] you know it's a great way to get so I think it's a testament to the work that he put in, and then the team here at WGA has put position the organization.
[00:07:16] So, you know I took those keys and was able to get off to a pretty good start down the road, you know to keep that analogy going but you know I think, you know there were things that we really wanted to do internally to look at I think you know WGA as any organization,
[00:07:31] you know, the pandemic I hate to say we're out of it but it's there's always, we're just it's different right it's I think we're always going to be in this different environment going forward and so, you know how do we adopt to those kinds of, you know, efforts here with our team we have about a team of 20
[00:07:46] 20, you know, we're here and so, you know it's things are changed and so we needed to make sure we meet meet it you know met the moment and could create a great place to work for folks that meet the 2023 standards of where we are in the world.
[00:08:01] So that was a big focus is really trying to get to know the team and what where our strengths are and where maybe there's could be some improvements made there, both on the internal side but then on the external side is just getting out and about as much as possible right I think this is as you know this is a pretty
[00:08:15] amazing job.
[00:08:17] You know I think we have a big footprint with, as you said 19 states and three territories so we have 22 governors as part of that footprint so it's, you got to get out and you know I think a big part I think my third week on the job I was out in DC and really drinking from a fire hose and with
[00:08:32] you know our governors as well as they were out in DC at the time, as part of the NGA winter meeting and then you know the sponsor community I think that was a big part of it too so it was nice to get all these first checked off and you know starting to build up those relationships
[00:08:47] and then you know I was just getting to know the team and the network and you know Jim was incredibly helpful in terms of the transition and making sure I mean with right the right folks and you know would be in here when I needed to get some thoughts and counsel from him but then also just letting me have my space to
[00:09:00] figure out what I wanted to do in this role and how we wanted to do it and so I'd say it's still work in progress right but I think we're starting to check a lot of those boxes and heading into our fiscal year which just started in July 1 we have some good plans heading into now FY24 for us.
[00:09:16] But yeah I think you know largely you know you made the comment about having the federal advocacy space I think it was probably by no coincidence that the governor's look to have somebody that had some advocacy experience and understanding that our internal staff puts in a lot of work and developing
[00:09:32] working with the governor's and their staff on all these key policies that impact the region but that the governor's expend a lot of effort and their teams put a lot of effort into it so what are we doing with that and trying to make sure that our federal partners are understanding of where the western governor stand on specific priorities, how we can continue to collaborate work
[00:09:52] together there's no shortage of issues quite frankly too and so it's always something to do and always somebody to meet with and always some group to get in front of or a governor to respond to because they want to advance something and so I think that's been really great for me because it's you know you get in
[00:10:10] you hit the pavement and you really get a chance to meet with folks and hear what matters most to them and how WGA can be a rally point a focal point to help advance those policy priorities so that's been really great for these last six months.
[00:10:25] Have you made it to every one of your state capitals at least the states maybe not the territories. Not yet. The goal is how you're in Topeka. Yeah, I was in Topeka which I know you said.
[00:10:36] I'm telling you certainly a soft spot for that. No, I've been, I think we've been to six or seven states if I recall in these six months.
[00:10:47] You know, to really try to get out to as many as possible as early as possible. I think our summary a little easier to get to than others and as well but I think certainly trying to get out there as much as possible and like I said the first few months were
[00:11:03] internally focused and trying to learn the operation and get to know the team and how we can best position ourselves so you know I've learned over the years that you know you got to go slow to go fast and really was being intentional and trying to get my get the foundation set here.
[00:11:20] And so we're going to make sure our team has what it needs to do what it does so well. And then, you know, I think from April to most of those, those six states I think was end of April to now and so it's been really those last two or three months so we're, we're not slowing down anytime soon
[00:11:37] we're already booking the fall trips and looking at that to get out and about the new governor's.
[00:11:42] So in terms of what's facing your governors, what would you say are the top three biggest challenges. Yeah, seeing the governor's and how is your policy, how are your policy priorities being framed to support them in that work and that effort.
[00:11:57] I, you know, I think I would have a hard time I think getting down to three quite frankly Maggie I think that's that's that's the just highlights the diversity of the West and what we what we focus on on behalf of the governors.
[00:12:09] I think it's important to know and I know we'll talk more about what WJ is and what we do on a day to day basis but really we leave or we we follow what the governor's want us to do right so these are these are top topical issues that we that they want the WGA to lean in on and
[00:12:26] put forward the resources to get advanced and across the finish line on the policy space. You know I mean there's there's the key issues obviously they're always going to be impacting you know the West and, you know from the natural resources and the public lands but we also have a lot of states in our footprint where
[00:12:42] they're really a big priority as much because they just don't have that in within their borders but you know those all of you know issues with respect to technology broadband development that's something that crosses every one of our states as a big one.
[00:12:56] And then we have access to health care affordable health care spans across the states especially out here where you know we have big square states and you know a lot of ground to cover and a lot of communities to cover making sure folks have what they need across the West is pretty unique and then you
[00:13:11] know we have a lot of people that are going to be in the going back to the natural resource space water air quality force management wildfire those are those are our big buckets and that we tend to look at and then there's always buckets that fit in between so I don't want to say that one's more important than the other, but our
[00:13:28] issue and we've got a great team here on the policy side that really can can push and move the needle in conjunction with the governor staff to advance these issues but yeah I'm not going to commit to three because I certainly you know I'm at least on six
[00:13:42] I'm learning not to do that because you know otherwise I leave something out important and I don't want to do that either but let's just say that the issues are brought in deep and you know unique to the region to so that's where we really put our attention toward.
[00:13:55] So let's talk about how you do your work so WGA 101 for anyone who has not participated with you all, you know, maybe draw your map I was always so interested to see how far East, you all go in terms of who you serve how you serve them and maybe how your policy shop is structured.
[00:14:15] Yeah, that's a great question I mean it's you know the West is a big term right everything's west of everybody who's on the east right so I think that's you know where we have drawn our boundaries.
[00:14:26] Really are from the Dakotas the North Dakota South Dakota you got Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma Texas over.
[00:14:33] That's our footprint all the way out to you know we've got Alaska we got Hawaii we've got three territories and in Guam American Samoa and Northern Mariana islands are three territories out there so it's a print, not just a diverse set of issues, you know with coastal states and some plain states, as well as some islands in particular right
[00:14:55] and so it's really do you see the enormity of just the geography that we do cover to and so, you know, at first and foremost is, you know, like I said earlier is we don't do anything without the governor's wanting to wanting us to engage and so we rely on them to bring these issues to us we're obviously out we pay attention to all the issues that are out there but
[00:15:16] we don't engage on the issues that the governor's don't want us to engage on and so I think we that relationship is an important one for us to adhere to.
[00:15:24] It keeps it keeps WGA really as a member serving organization and being the members being our governors themselves. So we take great pride in that and so I think, you know for for us I had mentioned some of the policies that we do so we do it by way of policy resolutions.
[00:15:42] And so that you know we have about a little more than 30 right now that we are that are active and so those policy resolutions work on a three year cycle.
[00:15:50] And we do that because as you know policy changes from, you know, let alone three or one third year to another third year year to year right so we always try to keep those fresh renewed updated based as you know as long as it comports with what the governor's collectively want us to do.
[00:16:06] And so we, you know, during our annual meeting and winter meeting process as those provide us opportunities to vote on those approve those or shelve if they don't if they're no longer relevant to what it is the governor's one who advanced that's you know how we work on that and within our six month process to do that and you know the most important
[00:16:24] thing that I haven't even mentioned is the bipartisanship. If it's not a bipartisan activity on the policy side we just don't engage on it it's not, it's not our space to do it. And I think our governors and their teams respect that appreciate that.
[00:16:41] And it only further cements you know the when when we do get policy passed and approved by our governors when you take that to our DC policymakers to say hey, here's our policy that the governor's in a bipartisan way approved and are advocating and we then as as an organization have those three years to run with it to
[00:17:03] make sure that it's top of mind and you know our proverbial seat at the table for the Western governor so they have that representation it that matters to DC policymakers so then they can come to us and say well they get where the governor's at on that and say well.
[00:17:16] If they don't have a position we don't we don't really play in that sandbox but if there's an opportunity to get a position and we get one through.
[00:17:24] It's pretty iron plaid and it's pretty solid and has the backing of our of our governors to do that so it's, that's very top level of how that works.
[00:17:32] And you know we as part of that policy breakdown you had asked how our teams constructed so you know like I said we have about 20, 20 folks here on staff and half of that is policy team.
[00:17:43] So it's we are a very policy oriented organization for obvious reasons and that's what the governor's want to position us to do. And as part of that is we have two, two major buckets I mentioned the Western prosperity roundtable the WPR as we call it.
[00:17:57] That's that's where a lot of our socioeconomic issues workforce development the broadband the health care is those issues that are near and dear to our governors that really expand the across the entire western footprint.
[00:18:09] And then we have our working lands roundtable which is more of the traditional WGA natural resource agriculture components of that that is that has been our strength for like I said nearly 40 years and even prior to that when a when we were named something else and had policy space
[00:18:28] and that so those are our two policy platforms that we really put our policy positions within those buckets.
[00:18:36] It helps us to stay focused organized it's and as a team it helps our leadership on our policy team manage what policies are out there who's managing what you know and as you know we have a lot of affiliated organizations that we're partnered with, whether through
[00:18:51] MOUs or just other task force areas of collaboration and so it just helps us manage our day to day policy intake and then policy output that we put forward.
[00:19:02] I was going to ask, you know, you mentioned that we met at NGA at the beginning of the year. Can you talk a little bit about, you know, other state organizations that you have partnerships with and how the relationship, you know functions with NGA and your organization.
[00:19:16] Yeah, I mean I think it's I think we all understand the, you know, the role that each other plays right I think you know especially with the fellow member governor organizations right I think we we obviously take pride in being out west and that we do have unique issues that are western.
[00:19:36] Our governors just have other issues that some governors, you know across the country don't have to face but then there are shared similarities of course right I mean we talked healthcare and broadband like everybody's pays attention to those issues and rightfully so so those are national issues as well that we think have a regional
[00:19:55] hook to it in terms of both challenges but also potential solutions that don't necessarily cross over but where we do have areas of overlap we should talk about that discuss that our governors are part of NGA and NGA's governor is a part of WGA right and so we understand that the importance of
[00:20:12] maintaining that relationship sharing best practices right I mean we're here to serve the governor's priorities both at the national and regional levels.
[00:20:21] And so I take pride in my relationship with with with Bill and at NGA and we've had several discussions in my short time even before and credit to Jim and said you need to know, get to know bill and bill gets needs to get to know you and making sure that you know we can call each other if something comes up or hey what are you doing with X and I think it just
[00:20:42] helps to also share best practices to I think you know nobody has the right solution to everything if so then you know good on them but I'm yet to meet that person.
[00:20:51] So, you know I'm certainly in a learn mode as well always and you know I will never have all the answers I'm just going to say that right now I shouldn't you know per perhaps told the team that hopefully they didn't hear me too loud saying that but it's true.
[00:21:05] And so I think you know we try to set that up and, you know, I want to learn what folks are doing well and maybe what things to avoid and, you know it's I've always learned in my, and my career is it's an opportunity to learn from but also maybe
[00:21:18] what what to grab that you like but also do not do what you is a bad idea too so I think that that's just having that information exchange is critical among our organizations, especially those of us that have shared mission shared missions as well shared membership.
[00:21:32] All right, for anyone on the line that would like to ask a question you're welcome to have got a couple more questions but I'll be watching the chat.
[00:21:39] In terms of wga being fiercely nonpartisan and bipartisan in your short has has there been a moment or an instance, or an observation of two governors or more coming together to do something truly bipartisan that you've just seen occur in
[00:22:01] the past 23. Yeah, I would say, you know, there's been several instances you know I talked about how I had known about wga and so going through the interview process I was only it was only reinforced about how wonderfully and fiercely bipartisan as you described it right
[00:22:16] often around here as we take great pride in that. And then when I got the job, and then got to actually see it in practice. There's been, you know, I probably more than I can count just interactions with with governors, where I have seen where they walk into a room
[00:22:34] with a wga sponsored event meeting however you want to couch it. And you wouldn't know who the Democrat is or who the Republican is but they're literally just talking about issues that are important to their constituents in their state.
[00:22:47] And they'll ask questions and feedback similar to what I just talked about with Bill and other organizations is sharing best practices, what are you guys doing with X or how are you handling why.
[00:22:56] I think we need to see that at the level because you know I think we're in such this hyper partisan environment right now to actually see these folks do that, and it does happen. And so I think you know to be on the front lines and seeing that take
[00:23:11] it as really something that I take a lot of just, I derive a lot of value from I think it's important I think our country needs more of it I think we know we always talk about our governors is being the last adults in the room in American politics and I firmly believe that they've got, they
[00:23:28] have you know, they're certainly they have their partisan stripes on some days and they need you know that there's a reason and valued for them to do that.
[00:23:36] But when they're with us they just they don't. And I think and it's a it's not necessarily anything that we tell them that they can't do it's they just know that that's not what WJ is for.
[00:23:47] They do a lot of self policing in that regard, their staff does the same I think there's been instances where staff say hey you know can we do this letter should we you know work on this policy and then there'll be other staff even at the same party like yeah that's just
[00:24:00] not what WGA is for you know we're there's a time and a place for that kind of expressing of grievances right per se and we'll just leave it at that but and then you know these a lot of the staff and the governor himself say hey you know we're we start from bipartisanship
[00:24:15] first start where there's areas of consensus and we build from there and if there's too hot of a potato to touch we'll just leave that off to the side. Now that doesn't mean we're not, you know can't tackle challenging issues that they were sometimes you
[00:24:28] have to bridge that divide to get to the where you need to go. But our governors and their staff do a fantastic job and knowing that that's the thing you know the vehicle that WGA provides them is to work on those issues
[00:24:43] that they get across the finish line some of those more challenging regional issues that wouldn't otherwise be able to do if you stayed on one party or the other. And then in terms of the you mentioned best practices.
[00:24:56] You have now staffed a member of the House and a member of the Senate, and now you staff 22 governors, just in your professional capacity. What's the best practice or tip.
[00:25:09] And a lot of our listeners you know will eventually have to staff a governor site visit at an event. You know how have you been successful what what is good staffing look like, both both on the hill and now for the governors.
[00:25:24] Oh that's a good question and one that could get me in big trouble too if I answer it wrong but no I mean I I have found success is you do your best to try to get to know the member right I mean everybody is unique as we all are.
[00:25:37] And I'll help things are ideas are presented to them. You know and right now we've got 22 governors who all have different interests, you know from their states and different personalities and come from different backgrounds and you know the thing that you, I feel and I have been.
[00:25:55] I would say successful to this point it's just trying to get to know who they are what makes them tick.
[00:26:01] You know I think the most important thing with any of any of these members whether it's members of Congress, or a governor or university president who I would work for before is. These are busy people right and so you know use their time wisely.
[00:26:17] I think be concise with with what you're presenting and what you're needing from them, quite frankly, in terms of the request that you put in front of them so I think it's just being thoughtful and intentional and not wasting their time.
[00:26:32] And they just inherently appreciate that knowing that you can be quick and short and can get to the point in a concise manner.
[00:26:40] But then also, you know, I'm still learning to right and everybody's new that comes into these roles and and I think it's all you, you have to sometimes just be okay with failing and going in and asking questions to and trying to figure it out and you know ultimately.
[00:26:58] And from you learn by doing and through experience and what works and what doesn't work like I said earlier in an all walks of life self awareness I think is an important component in any, any one person and especially in a leadership position is just be self aware of what what you are and what you
[00:27:13] aren't what maybe you can work on and improve and.
[00:27:16] But I think in the people business that we're all in, you know there's always different personalities you just kind of have to learn what makes people tick and hopefully you can present yourself as humble and willing to learn and folks can can gravitate towards that and be appreciative of that.
[00:27:31] And my final question, giving a nod to all the great leaders that you have served and that you currently work for. What's a common characteristic of good leadership that you have observed your career.
[00:27:43] Active listening, I think is probably one of the biggest accolades that I've benefited from from those that I have really wanted to take from right and so I've tried to even take and absorb that in my own day to day interactions with our team here is, you know you
[00:28:02] know, the answers I think you really need to try to put folks in a position where they can have a voice have room to fail. But it's also just listening to what their ideas are and how what makes them tick as as employees and I think that that's where I have benefited from that
[00:28:22] and I think most of my career is having bosses that and members that are really want to be want to be a part of that I think the other part is you know humility is always I think just a great leadership trait.
[00:28:34] And it kind of goes back to that self awareness of knowing what you are and what you aren't. And, you know, I think in having empathy as you know especially in politics like understand why we're here is to serve people and to help people and make lives in the region better.
[00:28:51] And so being empathetic to people's circumstances and, you know, when coming from all walks of life and all kinds of backgrounds I think just that's a it's a critical component that that I have again observed and benefited from learning from and hopefully can put that into practice and in my own leadership roles and, you know, hopefully, you know, try to spread that out across the team it's just knowing what's and I think that comes back
[00:29:18] to not just people at work for but I'll give my mom a lot of credit to she always you know walk on my own someone else's shoes and that was just the trait that was instilled in me very early on in life and so you know I have to give my mom a plug for just from a personal side and something that I benefited from watching her do in her life and her professional career as well.
[00:29:38] Very nice. Well before we sign off any upcoming events that you want to plug for the rest of the year I know you've got you just turned over your chairmanship. We did anything on the horizon with your leader leading WGA.
[00:29:55] Yes, well and thank you for that opportunity. Yes, so Governor Mark Gordon from Wyoming is our new chair was elected chair and took the gavel from Governor outgoing chair Governor Polis at our Boulder meeting our vice chair is Governor Lou Hengrisham from New Mexico.
[00:30:12] We always alternate Democrat Republican for obvious reasons as a bipartisan organization. And so we are our next big meeting is going to be our winter meeting in Jackson Hole November 6 through 8 our registration I'm hoping is going live in the next week or so.
[00:30:30] It's funny we finished our annual meeting which is kind of the Super Bowl the air and we had straight into our winter meeting a few months later and it's never stops which is a credit to our team and the fantastic work that they do to keep everybody.
[00:30:43] The trains movement in that so that's that's that's our next big deal so we'd love folks from all, you know, that once that registration goes live check it out. We still are working on agenda for that is that's always a work in progress leading up to it but
[00:30:56] we always try to get as many governors there from the region as possible obviously there's worse places to be in Jackson Hole Wyoming. And so we're really excited to have it up there I think that would be a big draw for folks, both from the community but also from sponsorships as well as others so that information like I said will be on the website hopefully the next week or two that folks can go check out.
[00:31:17] So thank you for the opportunity to plug that. Of course. Well, we are up on time. Thank you so very much for the conversation and the time and look forward to what comes next for WGA and wish you the best in your leadership post with the organization.
[00:31:35] Maggie thank you so much really appreciate this was great. Always love talking WGA and Western issues and bragging on our bipartisan governor so thank you so much for the venue and just really great to see you guys likewise. Thanks Jack. Thanks.