Overseeing State Government Operations in the Governor’s Office

Abstract

As chief executive officers (CEOs), governors are responsible for leading and managing their states. As leaders, they set priorities for their administration and seek enactment of new policies and programs designed to achieve those priorities. As managers, they implement policies and programs and oversee the operation of state government. In addition to defining their priorities, governors shape state operations through allocation of fiscal resources and appointment of key executive branch personnel. Governors must make decisions about the authority and responsibility of their senior staff as well as department and agency heads.