FROM STAFF REPORTS

Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman was sworn in July 13 as president of the National Association of Secretaries of State.

Chapman will serve as president through July 2012, marking only the second time in the association’s 107-year history that an Alabama secretary of state has held the position.

“I am extremely honored to be playing a leadership role as we prepare for the next presidential election cycle and address key business-related issues at the state and federal levels,” Chapman was quoted as saying in a NASS press release.

“As secretaries of state across the country struggle to do more with less during these challenging economic times, the National Association of Secretaries of State will help them – and their constituents – weather the ups and downs of the economy by promoting the best in state government practices and fostering effective leadership.”

As president of NASS, Chapman will lead a slate of executive officers and committee co-chairs overseeing the association’s activities for the coming year.