2023 NACo Fall Board of Directors Meeting

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

InterContinental Hotel 

Minnesota Court, Lower Level

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

3M Innovation Center

2350 Minnehaha Ave. E

St. Paul, MN 55119

Transportation from the InterContinental Hotel Wabasha St. Entrance will board at 1:15 p.m. and promptly depart at 1:30 p.m. 

Ramsey County has a changing landscape of youth and young adult employment and training services. ​​Learn how the infusion of federal funds aided in the creation of a vibrant public/private partnership that serves as a vital coordination hub, showcasing intergovernmental collaboration and centered on the voices of young people. ​​The experience will include a tour of the 3M World of Innovation.​​

View Agenda

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Landmark Center

75 W 5h St. 

St. Paul, MN 55102 

Transportation from the InterContinental Hotel Wabasha St. Entrance will board at 5:45 p.m.​

Owned and sponsored by Ramsey County, the Landmark Center is a dynamic cultural center and home to music, dance, theater, exhibitions, public forums and more. County officials will have an opportunity to visit an old-fashioned holiday bazaar in this National Historic Monument building (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.).

7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

InterContinental Hotel 

Minnesota Court, Lower Level

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

InterContinental Hotel 

Minnesota Ballroom, Lower Level

8:45 a.m.

• NACo President Mary Jo McGuire​
• Elder June Blue
• Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan
• Keynote: Dr. Bill Doherty, Co-Founder, Braver Angels​

9:30 a.m.

As county officials pursue common ground and common-sense solutions, this session will feature effective strategies and practices to strengthen connections within county government. Focusing on leadership skills and networks, county officials will explore approaches to advance excellence and trust in county government.

• Moderator: Ms. Julie Ring, Executive Director, Association of Minnesota Counties
• Panelists:
  • Hon. Jhonathan Aragon, Commissioner, Valencia County, N.M.; Past President, New Mexico Counties
  • Dr. Bill Doherty, Co-Founder, Braver Angels
  • Mr. Scott Teruya, Director, Department of Finance, Maui County, Hawaii

10:15 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Fundamental to counties’ success is our ability to inspire the engagement and trust of our residents. This session will highlight effective community engagement strategies, including residents academies, youth programs, civic education and public awareness campaigns.

• Moderator: Hon. Debbie Lieberman, Commission President, Montgomery County, Ohio; Past President, County Commissioners Association of Ohio
• Panelists:
  • Hon. Ed Booth, Commissioner, Beaufort County, N.C. 
  • Hon. Irene Fernando, Chair, Hennepin County, Minn.
  • Mr. Antonio Montez, Racial and Health Equity Administrator, Ramsey County, Minn. 

11:15 a.m.

Counties are uniquely positioned to implement and administer vital intergovernmental systems at the statewide, regional and community levels. This panel will focus on practical methods to lead and enhance collaboration among federal, state, local, and tribal partners and ultimately achieve our collective goals.

• Moderator: Mr. Mark O'Connell, President & CEO, Wisconsin Counties Association
• Panelists:
  • Hon. John Choi, County Attorney, Ramsey County, Minn.
  • Hon. John Espy, Commissioner, Carbon County, Wyo.; President, NACo Western Interstate Region 
  • Hon. Merceria Ludgood, Commissioner, Mobile County, Ala. 

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Keynote: Mariah Levison, Interim CEO, and Rob Fersh, Founder/Senior Advisor, Convergence

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Union Depot

214 4th St. E

St. Paul, MN 

Transportation from the InterContinental Hotel Wabasha St. Entrance will board at 5:45 p.m.

Union Depot is one of America’s great rail stations from the early 20th century. Today, it serves as a major transportation center and a welcoming destination for all. Attendees will have an opportunity to kick off the holiday season at an authentic European Christmas Market, located adjacent to Union Depot and supporting local artisans selling unique, handmade holiday gifts.

6:30 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.

InterContinental Hotel 

Kellogg I, Lower Level

Join NACo President Mary Jo McGuire for qi gong wellness activity. 

7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

InterContinental Hotel 

Minnesota Court, Lower Level

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

InterContinental Hotel 

• New Board Member Orientation (Minnesota Ballroom, Lower Level)
• Board Member Peer Networking (Governors IV, Lower Level)

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

InterContinental Hotel 

Minnesota Ballroom, Lower Level

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

InterContinental Hotel 

Minnesota Ballroom, Lower Level