On Thursday, July 11, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks delivered closing remarks via video teleconference at the 29th Council of Governors plenary meeting held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The session included participation from Council Co-Chairs Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota and Governor Phil Scott of Vermont; Senior Official Performing the Duties of Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo; White House Homeland Security Advisor Dr. Liz Sherwood-Randall; Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for States and Implementation Ryan Whalen; and Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs Rebecca Zimmerman.
Deputy Secretary Hicks emphasized the importance of a strong working relationship between federal and state officials to protect the nation in today's dynamic security environment. She highlighted the Council as an example of successful teamwork on issues ranging from natural disaster response to building resiliency for critical infrastructure.
Hicks also noted that timely resources are crucial for executing the National Defense Strategy successfully. She thanked the Council for encouraging their Congressional delegations to pass on-time and full-year defense appropriations, stating it is one of the best ways Congress can support the Department.
The 29th plenary meeting focused on progress in cybersecurity, emergency management, disaster response, military matters, and workforce issues. Discussions included state and federal coordination to build cyber and physical resiliency for critical infrastructure, strategic guidelines for the Defense Fiscal Year 2026 Program Build, consultative processes between federal entities and governors, and governors' views on homeland defense and homeland security matters.
Senior DoD leaders joined Deputy Secretary Hicks during the meeting. Attendees included Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall; Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Mike McCord; Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Ashish S. Vazirani; Under Secretary of the Army Gabe Camarillo; U.S. Northern Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas Carden; National Guard Bureau Director of Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5) Maj. Gen. Darrin Slaten; Air National Guard Deputy Director Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak; as well as additional representatives from various defense departments.
The Council of Governors is a bipartisan council established by executive order in 2010, comprising ten state governors appointed by the President to exchange views with federal officials on homeland defense, civil support activities related to the National Guard, among other matters.
Current members include Governor Tim Walz (D-MN), Co-Chair; Governor Phil Scott (R-VT), Co-Chair; Governor John Carney (D-DE); Governor Brad Little (R-ID); Governor Eric Holcomb (R-IN); Governor Maura Healey (D-MA); Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI); Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-NM); Governor Henry McMaster (R-SC); and Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY).
Deputy Secretary Hicks last addressed the Council in February 2024.
