Brown assumes leadership of NACo
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| Newly-elected NACo President Valerie Brown gives her inaugural speech. |
Sonoma County, Calif. Vice Chair Valerie Brown was recently installed as president of the National Association of Counties (NACo) at the 74th Annual Conference and Exposition in Nashville/Davidson County, Tenn., July 24-28.
“I am proud to lead this phenomenal organization,” said Brown, who was first elected by NACo membership to the executive committee in 2006. “We are entering a new era in government, and we must work together to be the voice for local government across the country.”
One of Brown's presidential initiatives is to work toward comprehensive health reform. As chair of NACo's Task Force on Health Care Reform, Brown worked with other county leaders on issues facing county health providers. She plans to continue the fight for improved health care throughout her presidency.
“Counties play a unique role in the healthcare system and county officials know what works and what doesnt when it comes to local healthcare access and delivery, said Brown. We have the tools to work with Congress and the administration to develop healthcare policies that are better for everyone in the long run.”
Brown also pledged to be a strong advocate for county green government initiatives. She believes that counties must do their best to save taxpayer dollars while following environmentally sound practices.
“If we are going to create healthy communities where we live and serve, we cant ignore the detrimental effects of poor air quality, inadequate water supplies, or antiquated infrastructure,” she said.
Brown has been a member of NACo's Board of Directors since 2003.
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