David Adkins serves as the ninth executive director of The Council of State Governments, a nonpartisan organization of America’s state and territorial governments. Founded in 1993, CSG engages, informs, inspires and empowers state officials to help them advance the common good. From CSG National Headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, Adkins leads a growing team of nearly 250 employees and oversees a budget with revenues in excess of $45 million. David, an attorney, served twelve years as a member of the Kansas House and Senate and was named a CSG Henry Toll Fellow. Prior to joining CSG, Adkins practiced law, was the founding executive director of a community foundation and served as vice chancellor at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Adkins earned degrees in political science and law from the University of Kansas where he was elected student body president and was the first KU student named a Harry S. Truman Scholar. Adkins is currently a member of the board of visitors at the University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, an elected member of the board of trustees of the Kentucky Retirement System and a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration.
History of Employment
Primary Policy Areas
Board Governance, Budget and Finance, Civic Engagement, Criminal Justice/Justice, Government Operations/Innovation, Intergovernmental System/Federalism, Intergovernmental Affairs and Coordination, Nonprofit/Philanthropy, Pensions, Taxes
Primary Sector of Expertise
State
Primary Functions
Academic Administration, Advocacy, Budgeting and Finance, Communications and Marketing, Grants Management, Intergovernmental, Nonprofit / NGO leadership, State Government, Strategic Planning