Welcome to the forum for
state senate leaders
Upcoming Forums
IN-PERSON FORUMS
Amelia Island, Florida
JANUARY 2-5, 2026
Bozeman, Montana
JULY 12-15, 2026
Burlington, Vermont
OCTOBER 4-7, 2026
By invitation only.
Members will receive an invitation via email.
Dear Senate Colleagues:
Rose Swan founded the Senate Presidents’ Forum in 1994. For 31 years, Rose led the program with kindness and grace, maintaining an educational and non-partisan focus while fostering deep and lasting friendships. A hallmark of the Forum is its friendly, open and engaging atmosphere where people with diverse views find common ground.
In keeping with her vision, the Senate Presidents’ Forum provides state senate leaders with opportunities to discuss public policy issues in an open way, to hear from experts with no political agendas and to learn from one another’s experiences. Most importantly, under Rose’s leadership the Forum has been a safe environment where senate leaders can get to know each other, where the challenges they face are recognized and the commitment they show is honored. The ultimate goal of Rose’s work has been to support state senate leaders in developing fair and wise decisions for the good of all. As Rose retires, the Forum honors her for three decades of outstanding leadership. She will be deeply missed.
It’s been said that the greatest investment one can make is in people. Rose has made that investment in all of us, and we’re better for it. We’re better to have journeyed along this trail with Rose, and for her to have been a part of our lives and our work. For that, I am eternally grateful.
– THOMAS C. ALEXANDER, President of the Senate, South Carolina
Knowing how this organization evolved from 7 senators and 10 sponsors to where we are today, I have no qualms about saying Rose created the preeminent conference in the nation for state elected officials. It’s been an incredible journey.
– RONALD D. KOUCHI, President of the Hawai’i Senate, Hawai’i
Winston Churchill said that you can measure your living by what you get but you measure your life by what you give. Rose Swan measures up in life. She gives to each and every one of us.
– DAVID SOKOLA, Senate President Pro Tempore, Delaware
I've learned so much from Rose over the years, but only recently did I learn that she is an accomplished potter. When you think about throwing clay and pottery, all molds are created a little differently — and they really broke the mold when they made her. Rose has led this group with the wit, wisdom and humor of someone who we've all come to deeply admire.
– GERARD DEHRMANN, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Walmart
FOUNDER
Senate Presidents’ Forum
Rose Swan
Honoring our Founder on Her Retirement
2025 Summer Forum
Ljubljana, Slovenia
July 9–13, 2025
2025 Fall Forum
Kona, Hawai'i
September 3-7, 2025
• Managing Medicaid: Policy Strategies for State Senate
• Welcome by Hawai’i Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke
• Understanding the New Trans-Pacific Trade Environment
• Natural Disaster Mitigation and Management – Learnings from Lahaina
• Pacific Rim Security Briefing
• Budget Resiliency in a Rapidly Changing Fiscal Environment
• Building the Talent Pipeline – Lessons from the Heartland & Beyond
SPF on Air
Voice of the Nation's State Senate Leaders
The Senate Presidents’ Forum is excited to share this series of candid conversations with state senate presidents, private sector leaders, and experts from think-tanks and institutions across the globe. SPF On Air is a civics lesson, a sounding board, and a study of public policymaking all in one. Because we believe knowledge is the cornerstone of good policy, this podcast explores the priorities, proud moments, and the problems shaping the near future of our fifty states.
RECENT EPISODES
EPISODE 10 (09/05/25)
Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner opens up about policy, minority voices in the legislature, and learning from fellow states in this engaging interview conducted by Rod Bray, Indiana's Senate President Pro Tem.
EPISODE 9 (01/31/25)
Bill Ferguson, Maryland Senate President, interviews Rod Bray, Indiana Senate President Pro Tem.
