CATEGORY: NASS
Michael Watson Becomes NASS President and New Executive Board Sworn In
For Immediate Release
August 7, 2025
Biloxi, MS — The members of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) have selected Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson to lead the nonpartisan association as President. He was sworn in today, Thursday, August 7, at the conclusion of the NASS 2025 Summer Conference in Biloxi, Mississippi.
“I am genuinely honored to hold the position of President of this association,” said Watson. “I believe it is vital to uphold the collaborative principles of NASS, and I am dedicated to ensuring all Americans trust the work we carry out for our respective states every single day.”
Watson is Mississippi’s 36th Secretary of State and has served in this position since 2020. Previously, he was a Mississippi State Senator and attorney. During his tenure as Secretary of State, he has been a notable member of the organization, with active participation on the NASS Executive Board and other committees, regularly sharing his state’s practices during NASS conferences, as well as receiving the 2023 NASS Innovation, Dedication, Excellence and Achievement in Service (IDEAS) Award for his “Tackle the Tape” initiative and the 2025 NASS IDEAS Award for the office’s SOS Student Ambassador program.
His presidential term will conclude in July 2026 at the NASS 2026 Summer Conference in South Dakota. As a point of history, Watson is the fourth Mississippian to serve in this nationally respected role.
Additionally, the following members were sworn in to serve on the NASS Executive Board:
- President: Hon. Michael Watson, Mississippi
- President-elect: Hon. Steve Hobbs, Washington
- Immediate Past President: Hon. Steve Simon, Minnesota
- Treasurer: Hon. Robert Evnen, Nebraska
- Secretary: Hon. Phil McGrane, Idaho
- Eastern Region Vice-President: Hon. Stephanie Thomas, Connecticut
- Southern Region Vice-President: Hon. Tre Hargett, Tennessee
- Midwestern Region Vice-President: Hon. Michael Howe, North Dakota
- Western Region Vice-President: Hon. Maggie Toulouse Oliver, New Mexico
- Member-at-Large (NPA Section): Hon. Nancy Landry, Louisiana
- Member-at-Large (ACR Section): Hon. Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Vermont
Executive Board members will also serve until the conclusion of the NASS 2026 Summer Conference.
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Media Contacts:
Maria Benson, Senior Director of Communications
mbenson@nass.org | 202-624-3528
Brittany Hamilton, Communications & Special Projects Manager
bhamilton@nass.org
