Many graduates of CSG’s BILLD program hold top legislative leadership posts in 2025

One indicator of the success and far-reaching impact of  CSG Midwest’s Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development: the number of graduates who go on to serve in top leadership posts in their respective states.

Four BILLD alumni are new to that list in 2025, serving in the highest-ranking leadership position of their caucus and/or legislative chamber for the first time.

• Rep. Erin Healy, BILLD class of 2019, minority leader in the South Dakota House;
• Liz Larson, BILLD class of 2023, minority leader in the South Dakota Senate;
• Rob McColley, BILLD class of 2015, president of the Ohio Senate; and
• Shelli Yoder, BILLD class of 2021, minority leader in the Indiana Senate.

Now in its 30th year, BILLD counts more than 1,000 current and former legislators as graduates. The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office administers the program as part of its support of the nonpartisan, binational Midwestern Legislative Conference.

Every year, BILLD brings together Midwestern legislators in their first four years of legislative service for five days of professional development, policy-focused sessions and leadership training. Fellows are selected via a competitive application process.

Here is a listing of other BILLD graduates holding the highest-ranking caucus post and/or a top officer position in their legislative chamber in 2025:

• Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, BILLD class of 2005
• Indiana House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, BILLD class of 2009
• Indiana Speaker of the House Todd Huston, BILLD class of 2016
• Indiana House Speaker Pro Tem Mike Karickhoff, BILLD class of 2011
• Iowa Senate President Amy Sinclair, BILLD class of 2016
• Iowa House Speaker Pro Tem John Wills, BILLD class of 2016
• Kansas Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, BILLD class of 2017
• Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, BILLD class of 2012
• Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, BILLD class of 2021
• North Dakota House Minority Leader Zac Ista, BILLD Class of 2021
• North Dakota House Majority Leader Mike Lefor, BILLD class of 2015
• North Dakota Speaker of the House Robin Wiesz, BILLD class of 1999
• Ohio House Speaker Pro Tem Gayle Manning, BILLD class of 2011
• Wisconsin Senate President Mary Felzkowski, BILLD class of 2013
• Wisconsin Senate President Pro Tem Patrick Testin, BILLD class of 2018