Meet WGA’s New Executive Director, James D. Ogsbury

 

 

Western Governors announced on October 29, 2012 the selection of James D. Ogsbury as the new Executive Director of the Western Governors’ Association.

 

Ogsbury has more than 20 years of experience creating and implementing public policy with an emphasis on energy and water.  Most recently, Ogsbury served as the director of legislative operations for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, which includes 91 municipalities. He also has worked on federal appropriations and congressional policy-making and is a graduate of Harvard College and Arizona State University College of Law.

 

“In many ways, it seems as though the pathways of my career have led directly to the door of WGA,” Ogsbury said.  “Throughout my career, I have been deeply invested in Western policy issues, and as a native Westerner, I am honored to be able to deploy my skills in enthusiastic service to the governors.”

 

Ogsbury previously served as the staff director of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.  In that capacity, he oversaw the budgets of the Bureau of Reclamation and the Western Area power Administration, among other programs and projects. He also served as the federal relations manager of the Salt River Projects, Arizona’s largest water supplies and the nation’s third largest public power utility.

 

Married with one daughter and two step daughters, Ogsbury said they are collectively excited about relocating to the Rocky Mountains -- along with their four dogs.  He has family who already live in Denver, where his mother was born and raised.