MONROVIA – Speaker of the House of Representatives Richard Nagbe Koon met on Tuesday with Elias Gerasoulis, CEO of the U.S.-based consultancy firm Washington & Madison, LLC, to discuss an upcoming professional development initiative for Liberian lawmakers.
The meeting served as a formal introduction ahead of a scheduled Legislative Training Program set to take place in the United States from August 30 to September 6, 2026. During his visit, Gerasoulis also observed the House Plenary session to view the body’s current legislative proceedings.
Program Objectives and Scope
The proposed week-long program is intended to provide Liberian legislators with exposure to international governance models. According to the project brief, the curriculum will focus on:
- Legislative Operations: Committee functions and lawmaking processes.
- Oversight & Accountability: Methods for legislative oversight and transparent governance.
- Engagement: Strategies for constituent relations and policy discussion.
- Field Study: Visits to U.S. legislative institutions and various governance organizations.
Collaboration and Implementation
Washington & Madison, which specializes in international consultancy with a focus on African partnerships, stated that the program’s content will be tailored to meet international democratic standards.
In response to the proposal, Speaker Koon has designated a group of lawmakers to coordinate with the Washington & Madison team. This working group will be responsible for:
- Participant Selection: Finalizing the list of attending legislators.
- Logistics: Managing travel and administrative arrangements.
- Content Finalization: Ensuring the workshops align with the specific needs of the Liberian Legislature.
The House of Representatives has framed the partnership as part of an ongoing effort to bolster institutional capacity and refine democratic processes within the country.