Sen. Nicole Grohoski Named to 2026 CSG Henry Toll Fellowship Class
The 2026 class of the nation’s premier state government leadership program represents 32 states and U.S. territories and all three branches of state government
AUGUSTA — Sen. Nicole Grohoski (D-Ellsworth) is one of 47 public servants selected by The Council of State Governments (CSG) for the 2026 class of the CSG Henry Toll Fellowship. Representing 32 states and U.S. territories and all three branches of state government, the fellows will gather in Lexington, Kentucky, Aug. 21-25.
The Toll Fellowship recognizes a select group of public servants who have demonstrated exceptional promise and a commitment to collaborative leadership and public service. Through an immersive leadership experience, fellows strengthen their communication, collaboration and decision-making skills while building lasting, nonpartisan relationships with peers from across the country.
“I’m humbled to be selected for this year’s Toll Fellowship class alongside such a talented group of public servants from across our nation. Serving in the Maine Legislature has taught me that our best work happens when we set partisanship aside and focus on what our communities actually need,” said Sen. Grohoski. “I’m looking forward to learning alongside leaders from across the country and bringing new tools, perspectives and relationships back home to serve the people of Senate District 7 and the state of Maine even more effectively.”
Sen. Grohoski is finishing her second full term in the Maine Senate after serving two terms in the House of Representatives. She is the Senate chair of the Legislature’s Taxation Committee and serves on the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee. She is currently co-chairing the Legislature’s Real Estate Property Tax Relief Task Force and recently served on the Governor’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Her district includes 21 coastal communities in Hancock County and Isle au Haut in Knox County.
CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins, a former Kansas state senator and 1993 CSG Henry Toll Fellow alumnus, emphasized the importance of preparing leaders who can navigate today’s challenges.
“The Toll Fellowship equips some of the nation’s most promising leaders with the relationships, perspectives and skills needed to bring people together, solve problems and strengthen public service,” said CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins, a former Kansas state senator and 1993 CSG Henry Toll Fellow alumnus. “CSG is honored to recognize this exceptional class and invest in their continued growth as leaders committed to serving their states and communities.”
Named in honor of CSG founder Henry Toll, a former Colorado state senator, the fellowship reflects his belief that strong states depend on leaders working together across branches, parties and state lines.
Fellows are selected through a competitive nomination and review process led by Henry Toll Fellowship alumni. Since its founding in 1986, the program has prepared more than 1,400 public servants nationwide.
Alumni include governors, lieutenant governors, attorneys general, secretaries of state, state treasurers, legislative leaders, state supreme court justices and hundreds of state and territorial legislators who continue to serve with integrity, work across differences and champion excellence in state government.
About The Council of State Governments
The Council of State Governments is our nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.
For more information about The Council of State Governments, visit csg.org.
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