Profiles in Service - Sept. 17, 2018

Vivian Parsons

Board Member
Executive Director
County Commissioners’ Association of West Virginia

Number of years involved in NACo: 22

Years in public service: 29.5 years —7.5 years as an executive assistant and lobbyist for a county association and 22 years as executive director and lobbyist for a county association

Occupation: State association director, County Commissioners’ Association of West Virginia

Education: Associate degree in business and bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership

The hardest thing I’ve ever done is: Say a “final” goodbye to my dad.     

Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner are: My dad, my dad, my dad…He taught me the lessons of the “Little Engine that Could!” There is so much I’d like to share with him…my cheerleader!

A dream I have is to: Someday live on the coast.

You’d be surprised to learn that I: Hate “hot dogs, apple pie and mayonnaise.” (But I LOVE America!) 

The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done was: Accept the position of executive director 22 years ago; what a wonderful ride!

My favorite way to relax is to: Sit where the tide breaks and listen to the sounds of the ocean.

My motto is: “I think I can…I think I can…” from The Little Engine That Could.

I’m most proud of: My two awesome sons.

Every morning I read: News headlines: good and bad.  

My favorite meal is: Everything Italian.

My pet peeve is: Mean-spirited bullies.   

The last book I read was: Seven More Days: Live a Life That’s Bursting with Positivity and Happiness…Before it’s Too Late by Amy Dix (daughter of Larry Dix,executive director of the Nebraska Association of Counties!)

My favorite movies are: Mamma Mia and Dirty Dancing.

My favorite music is: ’60s and ’70s pop rock.

My favorite U.S. presidents are: Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln.

West Virginia is a 100 percent NACo membership state because: NACo does for county members, on the federal level, what our state association does at the state level. NACo serves as West Virginia counties’ federal connection!