Profiles in Service

Debbie Wise

NACo Board of Directors
Circuit Clerk and Recorder
Randolph County, Ark.

Number of years involved in NACo: Five

Years in public service: 28

Occupation: Randolph County Circuit Clerk and Recorder

The hardest thing I’ve ever done is: Sit through court when there were children being abused and mistreated because of the parents being addicted to drugs or alcohol. Drug addiction plays such a big role in today’s society and it’s important for us to get help for the people who need it most whenever we can and never judge people based on their past experiences.

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: My dad, John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln. I consider these three people inspirational figures that assist me with how I make decisions in my day-to-day life.

A dream I have is to: Run a café by the beach.

You’d be surprised to learn: I traveled a lot when I was growing up because both of my parents were in the military. Now, I’m proud to call Pocahontas, Ark. my forever home.

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: Run for office all these years.

I’m most proud: That I was able to go from being a single mom with a high school diploma to being elected Randolph County Circuit Clerk since 1990; being elected president of the Association of Arkansas Counties (AAC) Executive Board, as well as becoming a member of the NACo Board. I’ll forever be thankful for the citizens of Randolph County, AAC and the NACo board for entrusting me with the responsibility to serve such an important role.

Every morning I read: Local newspapers and The New York Times

My favorite meal is: Any meal I get to eat with my family. I love to try new foods from different cultures.

My pet peeve is: Judgmental people. Judging and belittling people is never OK, no matter the circumstance.

My motto is: “Wisdom knows what to overlook.” — William James

The last book I read was: A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership by James Comey

My favorite way to relax is to: Go to the movies and spend time with my grandkids.

My favorite movie is: True stories, drama and suspense movies

My favorite music: Anything I can dance to

My favorite U.S. president: Abraham Lincoln

My county is a NACo member because: It gives small counties the ability to learn new ideas and solutions that affect the state and county government at more than just a local level. It only takes one person to make a difference, but if we all come together to develop new solutions, we could make a difference not just in Arkansas, but within the nation.

Hero 1

As the country faces public policy challenges, the collective efforts of governments working together can solve problems. Reestablishing the U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations would help.

Burning Man will draw thousands of revelers to the Northwest Nevada desert, and their arrival will have various effects on Pershing, Humboldt and Washoe counties.

If thousands of people fascinated by Area 51 show up in Lincoln Count, Nev. in September, county officials would much rather see them in one place for a music festival, rather than trying to "storm the gates" of an Air Force base.

Two county officials who knew each other in another life, back when they were stationed in South Korea, reunite at NACo Annual Conferences.

Marvin Meyers Board Member County Surveyor Roscommon County, Mich. Number of years involved in NACo: 10 Years in public service: 29

Leaders bring the weather. Everyone brings weather. What kind of weather do you bring? Said another way, what shows up when you do?

Many life lessons are simple truisms that we learned as children and carry with us throughout our adult lives. One of the earliest and truest life lessons has to be “life’s not fair.” How many times did you hear that growing up? It was likely early in life that you realized just how true that short statement is.

Marvin Meyers Board Member County Surveyor Roscommon County, Mich. Number of years involved in NACo: 10 Years in public service: 29

Leaders bring the weather. Everyone brings weather. What kind of weather do you bring? Said another way, what shows up when you do?

Learn how workforce boards can use the flexibility of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to rethink workforce policies and invest resources to create a future-forward workforce system, while hearing best practice examples from both urban and rural counties and regions.

Incivility in the workplace isn’t just disruptive – it’s a productivity and engagement killer that costs organizations millions of dollars annually, drives employee departures and can even cause stress-related illnesses. Why is it so common – and how do you combat it? Join Dr.

Elected officials are faced with difficult topics, conflicting solutions, and multiple stakeholders every day. Do you have the skills to successfully negotiate solutions? This seminar examines the art and science behind finding consensus and explores methods and strategies to address challenging public issues.