NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris is among two southerners leading the Council of State Governments this year.

The Collierville Republican will serve as chair of the group headquartered in Lexington, Ky. Former chair and West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin will serve as president.

CSG executive director David Adkins says Tomblin was an effective advocate for the states during his legislative service when he served as chair of CSG's Southern Legislative Conference and then as CSG's national chair.

Adkins says Norris has gained a national reputation for his willingness to take on tough issues and find consensus.

Tomblin and Norris have selected workforce development as the CSG Leaders' Initiative for 2014.