Profiles in Service - Oct. 29, 2018

Connie Rockco

Board Member
Supervisor, Harrison County, Miss.

Number of years active in NACo: 18

Years in Public Service: 30 years of service, 18 as an elected official

Occupation: Harrison County Supervisor, District Five

Education: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, respiratory therapy

The hardest thing I've ever done: One of the hardest things I’ve done was being separated from my youngest child. Another trial in my life was saying a long goodbye to my mother as she succumbed to Alzheimer’s. I have also faced many challenges as a supervisor, including being the board president during Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill. I was in Washington D.C. on Sept. 11, 2001. I was not allowed to fly out for days after the attack on the Pentagon. Its was a difficult time, for certain. I will never forget attending the memorial service during those days. I started singing patriotic songs with those in attendance as a way to help them, and myself, cope with the unforgettable tragedy.

Three people (living or dead) I'd invite to dinner: Of course my number one would be Jesus Christ, who is both living and dead. I would love to talk to Him and seek His guidance. I would also love to speak with Joan of Arc. She proved that women do have passion and the ability to lead in an extraordinary way. Unfortunately as fate would have it the ones she saved, turned on her. To add a third person I would have to say my dear, sweet mother. She was an amazing and strong woman.

A dream I have is to: I want to leave this place better than I found it, which is my mission as a county supervisor. I owe it to my children and grandchildren to leave the world a better place. I also have a dream that our society will return to civility. I dream of a world where we can disagree with one another and discuss our different opinions without things turning hostile and contentious.

You'd be surprised to learn that I: Once had a singing telegram business. I think I used to be a pretty good singer, too.

The most adventurous thing I've ever done is: I really don’t have a lot of fears, but being elected as president of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors is something of which I’m proud. I wasn’t nominated by the nominating committee; I was nominated by the floor. That was a big adventure for me. Running for office was adventure, too. I didn’t have any money so I just went out and knocked on doors. I also drove a four wheeler 13,200 feet above seal level, which is above the tree line. That was a little scary.

My favorite way to relax is to: I like to sit on my pier and look at the world God has created. It’s hard for me to see how some people cannot believe in God when you look at nature.

I'm most proud of: I’m extremely proud of my family. I’ve been married for 43 years and I have three very accomplished daughters and six wonderful grandchildren. I was also selected as one of the Top 25 Women in Government in the nation, which was quite an honor. I was recipient of the Lucimarian Roberts Servant/Leader Humanitarian Award. That was a big deal for me because I loved that woman, she was my mentor.

Every morning I read: I listen to music in the morning. I love music. It sets my tone for the day.

My favorite meal is: I love good old southern food like greens and cornbread. I also love a good crawfish boil.

My pet peeve is: It’s really disheartening to me when I see people constantly criticizing government and elected officials when they won’t take the time to properly learn how government works and what people can and cannot do.

My motto is: I have a few. I’m a fan of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That one says everything. I also like some southern expressions like “Don’t worry about the mule, just load the wagon” and “If you take care of your gravy, your biscuits will take care of themselves.”

My favorite movie is: I love Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself. I also recently watched Girl’s Trip with Tiffany Haddish.

My favorite music is: I like R&B and dance music, but I really love all types of music.

My favorite U.S. president is: Ronald Reagan

My county is a NACo member because: I understand the benefits of NACo and the tremendous service they do in education and broadening the scope of services for all of the citizens of Harrison County.