Thirteen states will participate in the inaugural Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards (FARB) Centralized Regulatory Agency Leaders Circle during the 2026 FARB Summit on Regulatory Excellence in Minneapolis, marking the launch of a national forum for collaboration among executive leaders of centralized professional licensing and regulatory agencies, according to a July 17 announcement.
The Leaders Circle was created by FARB to bring together agency directors, commissioners, secretaries, executive officers, and deputy leaders responsible for statewide professional licensing and regulatory programs. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration across jurisdictions, promote innovation, improve governmental efficiency, and advance regulatory excellence in the public interest.
"The most effective solutions to today's regulatory challenges will not be developed in isolation," said Mike Armstrong, President of FARB. "They will come from leaders who are willing to share ideas, challenge one another, and collaborate across jurisdictions. The Centralized Regulatory Agency Leaders Circle reflects FARB's commitment to fostering those conversations and advancing regulatory excellence for the benefit of the public we all serve."
The creation of the Leaders Circle responds to increased interest among agency executives for a dedicated space to exchange ideas across professions and jurisdictions. While individual professional boards often collaborate within specific occupations, there have been limited opportunities for executive leaders overseeing multiple programs at a national level.
"The demands on regulatory agencies continue to grow as governments seek to deliver services more efficiently while maintaining strong public protections," said Julie Hildebrand, Executive Director of FARB. "The FARB Centralized Regulatory Agency Leaders Circle creates an opportunity for agency executives to share proven practices, explore innovative approaches, and learn from one another. By working together, states can improve regulatory effectiveness, increase governmental efficiency, and better serve both licensees and the public."
Interest has exceeded initial expectations: although thirteen states are participating in this first meeting—including Colorado; Georgia; Idaho; Illinois; Maine; Michigan; Minnesota; Montana; New Hampshire; Utah; Vermont; Wisconsin; and Virgin Islands—leaders from twenty-four states have already expressed interest as future meetings are planned.
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