Profiles in Service - July 11, 2016

Mandy Metzger

Vice Chair, Rural Action Caucus
Supervisor, Coconino County, Ariz.

Number of years active in NACo: 7

Years in public service: 7 years at county level; 6 years as legislative assistant, U.S. Senate

Occupation:  Currently Coconino County supervisor; formerly land, resources and public policy consulting; formerly president of a nonprofit specific to 426,000 acres of private, state and federal lands

Education: University of Wyoming; various seminars and institutes including NACo’s County Leadership Institute

The hardest thing I’ve ever done: Quit smoking 25 years ago. It was the hardest and the best decision I have ever made.

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: Thomas Jefferson, Bruce Springsteen, and Melinda Gates

A dream I have is to: Become an accomplished writer and artist.

You’d be surprised to learn that I:  Met with Slobodan Milosevic, then president of Serbia, during the Bosnian War. It was under extremely stressful conditions. He showed me fragments from rockets or mortar embedded in the wall of the presidential offices. 

My favorite way to relax is: Feeling the wind at my back while sailing.

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is:  Airlifted medicines into war-torn areas.

I’m most proud of: My children.

 Every morning I read:  Daily paper, USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

My favorite meal is:  As a rancher, it would have to include beef.

My pet peeve is: Over-use of acronyms.

My motto is: Live by example. Embrace adventure and learning. Work hard.  Give back.

The last book I read was:  The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen.

My favorite movie is:  I have so many “favorites” as I make it a point to go to the movies once a week. It is my “down” time.

My favorite music is:  I love almost all music. Right now I am hooked on jazz.

My favorite U.S. president is: I could name several, but choose Abraham Lincoln. He came almost out of the blue and went on to preserve the Union during one of the most difficult and defining times in our Nation’s history. I admire his intellect, perseverance and courageous leadership.  I also admire the ability to step away from the “box” and route a new course.

My county is a NACo member because: Coconino County has long been an active participant in NACo. We are confident in the benefits the organization delivers. NACo’s research is top notch. Its representation of county matters on Capitol Hill regularly garners compliments from national leaders. NACo’s ability to listen to its members discuss and debate critical issues, and then craft strategies and messages that are fair, responsive, and that also resonate with the agencies and congressional members, is exceptional.

From my perspective, allocating funds to participate in broad-based county networking and decision-making that impacts critical national policy decisions is a no-brainer. Counties are in a powerful position to bring solutions to policymakers.  The more county elected leaders can participate in NACo, the stronger the organization will become.  Bottom line — the stronger and more persuasive NACo is, the better we are able to serve our constituents. NACo is a win-win proposition.