Dunlap Takes Office as National Association of Counties President

WASHINGTON – Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Commissioner George Dunlap was sworn in as president of the National Association of Counties (NACo) on July 20 at the conclusion of NACo’s 91st Annual Conference in Orleans Parish/New Orleans, La.

“This responsibility — being NACo’s president — I hold with pride,” said Dunlap. “Because NACo isn’t just an organization. It’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs. It’s nearly 40,000 locally elected officials. It’s about honoring our 3.6 million dedicated county government professionals. It’s about making America a more perfect union, county by county.” 

During his remarks at the conference, Dunlap outlined a bold presidential spotlight, “Building Better Futures,” inspired by his years of service as a police officer and school board chair, where he often worked with young people. Over his presidential year, the spotlight calls on counties across the country to examine what they are doing for young people, invest upstream before challenges become crises and take at least one concrete action to improve outcomes for youth in their communities. As part of the spotlight, President Dunlap also launched a Youth Housing and Homelessness Task Force to focus on one of the most pressing challenges facing young people today.

"The future of our counties depends on the future of our youth. The question is not whether we can do more — but how can we do better, together,” said Dunlap.

Dunlap is a lifelong public servant, who has served in various roles on the local and national level in service to his community. A member of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners for 18 years, including 6 years as Board Chair, Dunlap previously served as a police officer (27 years), Marine (13 years) and school board chair (13 years). He has been an active member of NACo, including chairing NACo’s Justice and Public Safety Committee. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) and the organization’s Health and Human Services Committee. 

"George Dunlap understands something fundamental about county government: the investments we make in young people today are the infrastructure of tomorrow's communities,” said Matthew Chase, CEO of NACo. “Building Better Futures puts a spotlight on that truth — from workforce pathways to mentorship to civic education, counties are uniquely positioned to partner with families, community groups and others to give young people the tools to thrive. George brings decades of real world experience to this role, and under his presidency, NACo will be championing the idea that no county can build a stronger future without investing in its next generation."

View NACo’s coverage and video of Dunlap’s remarks soon here. Read more on “Building Better Futures” here.