This series will take place on Zoom Webinar. Please email nacomeetings@naco.org with any questions regarding registration or login issues.

As artificial intelligence transforms how local governments deliver essential services, county leaders face a critical challenge: how can they embrace AI innovation while protecting sensitive data, managing cybersecurity risks, and maintaining public trust?

Join IBM experts and Sunny Hwang, CIO of New Hanover County, N.C., for an insightful discussion on secure and responsible AI adoption in local government. Drawing on real-world experience implementing award-winning AI-powered solutions for human services and emergency response, the panel will explore how counties can balance innovation with effective governance, data protection, and cyber resilience.

Attendees will gain practical perspectives on navigating evolving AI risks, building public confidence, and responsibly leveraging emerging technologies to improve government services.

Speakers

  • Sunny Hwang, Chief Information Officer, New Hanover County, N.C.
  • Jeff Crume, Distinguished Engineer, Master Inventor & Data and AI Security Architect, IBM
  • Romelia Flores, Distinguished Engineer & Master Inventor, Public Market Client Engineering Technical Sales, IBM

Upcoming Events

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Webinar

NACo Public Promise Procurement Launches New Amazon Business Contract

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET

Learn how your county can access over 300 million products and hundreds of thousands of third-party sellers through this new, nationally solicited Amazon Business contract, featuring fixed-term price ceilings across eight categories to keep your everyday purchasing compliant and cost-effective.

This contract works alongside your county's existing Amazon Prime membership, not in place of it, and activates through your current Amazon Business account executive; no new relationships required. You'll also get tools to customize how your county spends, including the ability to prioritize local and in-state businesses.

Hear directly from Douglas County, Neb., the Lead Public Agency behind this solicitation, on how the contract came together and learn how NACo's member-governed, peer-reviewed process gives your county confidence in every purchase.

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Conference

2026 Fall Board of Directors Meeting and Building Better Futures: A County Leaders' Symposium on Youth Outcomes

Mecklenburg Co., N.C.

Hosted by NACo President George Dunlap as part of his presidential spotlight, in partnership with NACo’s Board of Directors and Large Urban County Caucus, the event will focus on practical strategies and collaborative approaches that counties can advance at the local level—from proven prevention and early intervention models to cross-sector partnerships that align resources and expand opportunity.

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