Profiles in Service

Ray Long

Board Member
Chairman,
Board of Commissioners
Morgan County, Ala.

Number of years involved in NACo: Eight

Years in public service: 23

Occupation: Full-time chairman of the Morgan County Commission

Education: 1978 graduate of Brewer High School, Calhoun Community College

The hardest thing I’ve ever done is: A book report in fourth grade. I was actually shy back then. The week before I wouldn’t stand in front of the class and talk so I got a bad grade. My mom convinced me I needed to learn to talk in front of people.

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: I would love to have dinner with my mom again. She was always my biggest fan. Next would be Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon.

A dream I have is to: See my grandkids become very successful in life and not have the early struggles that I had. Next would be to win the lottery and have several retirement houses around the United States.

You’d be surprised to learn: I was very shy as a child.

My favorite way to relax is to: Walk around the farm and watch our cattle and chickens. There is a special peace on the farm.

I’m most proud of: My wife, Regina. She is a great partner with everything I do. She is always my biggest supporter. Next would be my children and grandkids (and their spouses).

Every morning I read: The online version of the news. You always want to know if your commission made the news.

My favorite meal is: Steak and mashed potatoes. Finish it off with a moist coconut cake.

My pet peeve is: People who know everything about your business but can’t manage their own.

My motto is: Teamwork makes everything easier.

The last book I read was: Ronald Reagan’s America by Terry Golway

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: My first trip to Tokyo, Japan. We got out and walked around the city and couldn’t read any of the signs to even know where we were. It was really an adventure trying to find our way back to the hotel.

My favorite movie is: Forrest Gump

My favorite music: ‘70s and ‘80s classic rock

My favorite U.S. president: Ronald Reagan

My county is a NACo member because: We know that working together as a team, counties can benefit from each other. Numbers get results and NACo has proven through the years that because of the number of people they represent, people in Washington, D.C. and around the country will listen and take our concerns seriously. Counties matter and NACo represents us well.

Hero 1

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NACo staff and personnel from state associations of counties tackled common issues at the Knowledge Management Forum.

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How often have you been disengaged because you saw others disengaged? How often have you said or thought that you’re not going to give 100 percent of your skills and abilities because you think your boss is an idiot, your team is just not worth it or you’re not getting paid enough or don’t have the right title or it’s just not worth your time?

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Fiore Leone has been an Erie County, Pa. council member for nearly 42 years – as long as the Erie County Council has existed.

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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.