About the Meeting

Under the leadership of National Association of Counties (NACo) President J.D. Clark, the 2025 Fall Board of Directors Meeting and County Storytellers Symposium will convene county leaders in Wise County, Texas December 4–6, 2025.

NACo’s Board of Directors will also conduct business meetings at this event – check the schedule for details.

Register Today

Registration includes access to all symposium sessions, receptions and dinners.

All correspondence regarding registration will come from either mchavez@naco.org, nacomeetings@naco.org or naco@naco.org. Please add these email addresses to your safe sender list. Should you receive false correspondence, please report and email nacomeetings@naco.org.

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Featured Speakers

Matt Canter

Matt Canter

Partner, Global Strategy Group
S.C. Gwynne

S.C. Gwynne

Pulitzer Prize-nominated author
Drew-Kennedy.png

Drew Kennedy

Texas singer and songwriter
Henry Parkhurst Headshot

Henry Parkhurst

Opinion Research Associate, OnMessage Inc.

Explore the Schedule

Thursday, Dec. 4

County Storytellers
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Decatur Conference Center
2010 US-380
Decatur, Texas 76234

Registration Open

Pick up your badge and program at the registration desk in the Decactur Conference Center Lobby.

2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Wise County Courthouse
Courtroom 101 N Trinity St
Decatur, Texas 76234

County Storytellers Symposium Kickoff: Opening Remarks by NACo President J.D. Clark

Transportation will depart from the main front drive of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Decatur. Participants should plan to arrive by 1:30 p.m. to ensure they are able to board the buses before departure. Buses will depart at 1:45 p.m.. Attendees are encouraged to take the shuttle due to limited parking at the Courthouse.

2:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wise County Courthouse
Courtroom 101 N Trinity St
Decatur, Texas 76234

County Storytellers Symposium: Part 1

Pulitzer Prize–nominated author S.C. Gwynne and Texas singer/songwriter Drew Kennedy share their unique perspectives on America’s past and present through powerful storytelling and music. In this special County Storytellers Symposium session, held in the historic renovated Wise County Courthouse, attendees will experience an inspiring blend of history, narrative and song that reflects the diverse voices shaping the American story.

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Trinity Street Restaurant & Bar
110 N Trinity St Decatur, Texas 76234

Welcome Reception and Dinner

Established in 2017, Trinity Street Bar & Restaurant has become a cornerstone of Decatur, where community and connection thrive. With a thoughtfully curated menu of craft coffee, artisan cocktails and over 200 whiskeys, it reflects the rich character and welcoming spirit of Wise County.

8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hotel Lobby
1910 US-380
Decatur, Texas 76234

Post Reception

Kickback and network after dinner in the Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel Lobby. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Friday, Dec. 5

Board Photo
7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Decatur Conference Center
Lobby

Registration Open

Pick up your badge and program at the registration desk in the Decactur Conference Center Lobby.

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Decatur Conference Center
Great Hall AB

County Storytellers Symposium: Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast and networking in Great Hall AB.

8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Decatur Conference Center
Great Hall AB

County Storytellers Symposium: Part 2

Hear from leading national pollsters Matt Canter, Partner at Global Strategy Group, and Sam Kay, Vice President at OnMessage Inc, for a candid discussion on the current state of public opinion in America. This session will provide county leaders with fresh insights into the values, priorities and concerns shaping our nation’s political landscape nationwide - equipping officials to better connect, communicate and lead at the local level.

10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Decatur Conference Center
Great Hall Foyer

County Storytellers Symposium: Break

Enjoy networking and treats during this scheduled break.

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Decatur Conference Center
Great Hall AB

County Storytellers Symposium: Federal-State Policy Exchange

Discover how shifting state and federal policies are reshaping counties’ ability to serve residents. This session spotlights fresh insights, data tools and communication strategies to help county leaders navigate mandates, protect local authority and strengthen community support.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Decatur Conference Center
Great Hall AB

NACo Board of Directors Meeting: Lunch

A networking lunch offering an opportunity to connect with colleagues, share ideas and hear timely insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping county leadership.

1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Decatur Conference Center
Great Hall AB

NACo Board of Directors Meeting: Part 1 Business Meeting

The official business meeting where all board action items, reports and other presentations are given. These meetings are recorded as official meetings.

4:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
NACo Board of Directors Meeting: Break

Email catchup and rest.

6:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.

NRS Ranch Arena
309 CR 4228
Decatur, Texas 76234

Closing Reception and Dinner

Join us for a special evening at the NRS Ranch Arena, a working ranch and premier Western event venue. Home to weekly roping’s, barrel races, clinics and rodeos, the arena embodies authentic ranch life. Enjoy dinner and fellowship with fellow Board members in this unique setting that blends tradition, community and true Western spirit.

Transportation will will depart from the main front drive of the Fairfield Inn & Suites Decatur. Participants should plan to arrive by 5:40 p.m. to ensure they are able to board the buses before departure.

8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Decatur
Hotel Lobby

Post Reception

Kickback and network after dinner in the Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel Lobby. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, Dec. 6

Board Photo
8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.

Chisholm Trail Suites

New Board Member Orientation (Open to All Board Members)

We invite all new board members - and those who would like a refresher - to join us for an engaging orientation. This session will provide an overview of NACo’s governance, resources and opportunities for involvement, helping you maximize your role and impact as a board member.

8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.

Decatur Conference Center
Great Hall AB

Networking Breakfast

Start your day with breakfast and networking.

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Decatur Conference Center
Great Hall AB

NACo Board of Directors Meeting: Part 2 Strategic Planning & Business Forum

Board members will come together for a strategic planning and listening session designed to shape NACo’s path forward. Guided by feedback from the Board, membership and partners, this interactive session will foster open dialogue and collective reflection. Together, we will strengthen NACo’s mission to support America’s counties, advance our vision of healthy, safe and vibrant communities and uphold our commitment to stronger counties and a stronger America.

11:30 a.m.
Adjourn

Housing Information

The Fairfield Inn & Suites Decatur at Decatur Conference Center has been selected as the host hotel for the 2025 Fall Board of Directors Meeting and County Storytellers Symposium.

  • Hotel Address: 1910 US-380, Decatur, TX 76234
  • Hotel Phone Number: (940) 627-0645

NACo has negotiated a discounted hotel rate of $127 for your stay in Wise County, Texas.

Due to limiting availability at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, an additional hotel option is now available:

Hampton Inn Decatur, located just a few blocks away.

  • Hotel Address: 110 US-287, Decatur, TX 76234
  • Hotel Phone: (940) 627-4900

You will receive the reservation link to secure your hotel room in your registration confirmation email.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at nacomeetings@naco.org.