The National Governors Association named Gov. John deJongh Jr. to the NGA's Economic Development and Commerce Committee on Thursday, according to a statement from Government House. Delaware Gov. Jack Markell, NGA chairman, and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, NGA vice-chairwoman, made the appointment, the release said.

“I am excited to serve as part of the NGA Economic Development and Commerce Committee over the next year,” deJongh wrote in the statement, adding, “As governors, we are uniquely positioned to influence federal legislation and regulations that affect national and state economic policies.”

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett will serve as EDCC chairman, and Kentucky Gov. Steven Beshear will serve as vice-chairman. Other members include Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Puerto Rico Gov. Luis Fortuno, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.

Founded in 1908, NGA is the collective voice of the nation’s governors and one of the most respected public policy organizations in Washington, D.C. Its members are the governors of the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.