WINSTON-SALEM — On Aug. 8-10, more than 400 county commissioners, officials, staff and Youth Voice delegates convened in Forsyth County in Winston-Salem for the 117th North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Annual Conference.
Ashe County Board of Commissioners Chairman Todd McNeill and Commissioner Chuck Olive along with County Manager Adam Stumb participated in the conference, which included various workshops on important county issues with nationally known speakers and offered numerous opportunities for networking. The event was themed “Shaping County Futures” to showcase the art of intentional decision-making and the opportunity counties have to shape their own future.
During the conference, the Association elected its 2024-2025 executive officers, awarded individuals and partner organizations who positively impacted North Carolina counties and hosted educational sessions and relationship-building events.
McNeill, Chairman of the Ashe County Board of Commissioners, was elected and sworn in as Second Vice President.
“I am humbled and honored to have been elected by my peers as Second Vice President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. As an executive officer, I look forward to serving our state's counties and working collaboratively to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing our communities. This leadership role will enable me to amplify the voice of Ashe County and the High Country region, ensuring our needs and perspectives are represented at the state level,” McNeill said.
Tare “T” Davis, Warren County commissioner, was sworn in as the new president of the Association. President Davis also unveiled his presidential initiative, “Heroic Hands: Celebrating Public Service,” which focuses on honoring the dedication of North Carolina public service organizations and their workers.
“My presidential initiative will highlight the value of having a career in public service and challenge us, [county government leaders], to work with state leaders and our intergovernmental partners to promote workforce training needs in local government,” said President Davis. “I am grateful every single day for those who dedicate their careers to taking care of our most fundamental county operations.”
In addition to President Davis, the Association’s executive officers for 2024-2025 include:
Wallace Nelson, Perquimans County commissioner, sworn in as president-electAllen Thomas, Hoke County commissioner, elected and sworn in as first vice presidentTodd McNeill, Ashe County commissioner, elected and sworn in as second vice presidentJohnnie Carswell, Burke County commissioner, sworn in as immediate past president
The NCACC recognized significant members and partners who contributed to the mission and vision of the organization. Award winners include:
Jim Burgin, North Carolina senator, recipient of the Friend of the Counties Award Dr. Breeden Blackwell, NCACC 2004-2005 president and former Cumberland County commissioner, inducted into the NCACC Hall of FameJohnnie Carswell, NCACC 2023-24 president and Burke County commissioner, inducted into the NCACC Hall of FameGloria Whisenhunt, Forsyth County vice chair and commissioner, inducted into the NCACC Hall of FameShinica Thomas, Wake County commissioner, recipient of the M.H. “Jack” Brock Outstanding County Commissioner AwardFrank Williams, NCACC 2021-2022 president and Brunswick County commissioner, recipient of the M.H. “Jack” Brock Outstanding County Commissioner Award
Attendees also heard from keynote speakers Judge Steven Leifman, associate administrative judge of the Miami-Dade County Court Criminal Division, who highlighted America’s mental health crisis and the key elements needed to reform mental health and criminal justice systems; and Dr. James H. Johnson Jr., William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of strategy and entrepreneurship and director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center at the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, who shared insights on seven demographic trends poised to reshape business, commerce and education.
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