Profiles in Service

Kathryn Barger

Board Member
County Supervisor
Los Angeles County, Calif.

Number of years involved in NACo: Nearly three years

Years in public service: Over 30 years

Occupation: Los Angeles County Supervisor

Education: Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University

The hardest thing I’ve ever done is: Running for office for the first time — a challenge that was well worth it! I am so honored to represent an incredible district and I am passionate about providing my constituents with quality programs and responsive service.

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: I would invite great historic figures whose leadership helped guide our world through tough times — Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Margaret Thatcher.

A dream I have is to: Finally ensure those with mental illness get the life-saving care they need.

You’d be surprised to learn: I never planned to seek elective office but after many years in public service, I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

I’m most proud of: The many partnerships we have developed in our cities and unincorporated areas. Results come from people working together in a cooperative, nonpartisan way to solve problems and improve the quality of life for our constituents.

Every morning I read: All the local news.

My favorite meal is: Anything Mexican and spicy!

My pet peeve is: Tardiness. It shows disrespect. Being late says to others that you think your time is more valuable than their time.

My motto is: Respect others and choose your battles.

The last book I read was: Measure What Matters by John Doerr

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is: Walk the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain.

My favorite movie is: Romantic comedies like The Holiday always fit the bill

My favorite music: Songs like “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest.

My favorite U.S. president: The great communicator, Ronald Reagan

My district is a NACo member because: Counties matter and counties need to work together to move our communities and our nation forward to a prosperous future for current and future generations.

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.