CSG Selects Rep. Zac Ista for 20 Under 40 Leadership Award

GRAND FORKS, ND – The Council of State Governments has selected North Dakota House Minority Leader Zac Ista (D-Grand Forks) as a 2023 recipient of the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award.

Founded in 1933, the Council of State Governments is the nation’s largest nonpartisan organization serving all three branches of state elected and appointed officials. The mission of CSG is to champion excellence in state government. The CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award annually recognizes the outstanding work of 20 up-and-coming elected and appointed officials from across the country who not only exemplify strong leadership skills but have also demonstrated a true commitment to serving the citizens of their state. The 20 Under 40 Leadership Awards will be presented at the 2023 CSG National Conference this December in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“While the outstanding state officials recognized by CSG this year come from diverse backgrounds, different political parties, every branch of state government and every region of our country, they share the same commitment to serve others,” said David Adkins, CSG executive director/CEO. “They are hard-working, visionary leaders whose passion for public service is producing results for their states. I marvel at all they have achieved, and I look forward to watching their impact grow even greater in the years ahead.”

Ista was selected because of his commitment to public service, ability to engage with officials across party lines, and exceptional leadership.

“I am deeply humbled to receive this award and to share the stage with so many outstanding young leaders from across the country, ” said Ista. “Now more than ever, my constituents demand and deserve serious leaders willing to put aside partisanship to move our state forward and advance the values that make our state exceptional. I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me to do just that,” he added.

Ista has represented District 43 in the North Dakota House since 2020. Among his legislative achievements are passing bills to ban lunch shaming, to protect domestic violence survivors, and to provide ongoing no-cost health insurance to families of fallen police officers. He currently serves as Chair of the interim Tribal and State Relations Committee. In addition to the 20 Under 40 Leadership Award, Ista was previously selected as a Fellow in CSG’s Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 14, 2023

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
(701) 566-0616
laura.dronen@demnpl.com