Gore Takes Office as National Association of Counties President

WASHINGTON – Sonoma County, Calif. Supervisor James Gore was sworn in as president of the National Association of Counties (NACo) on July 15 at the conclusion of NACo’s 89th Annual Conference in Hillsborough County, Fla. 

“I am honored to serve as NACo’s president and look forward to a year focused on strengthening America’s counties,” said Gore. “Together, counties will model innovation and promote civility as we drive towards a better future for our communities.”

During his remarks at the conference, Gore outlined a bold presidential spotlight, “We…” The spotlight is inspired by this unique moment in time – the lead-up to America’s 250th  and NACo’s 90th anniversary. It will showcase the central role of counties as intergovernmental and solutions-oriented partners focused on three pillars:

• Engagement and collaboration – gathering the perspectives of all county leaders and strengthening partnerships at the federal, state, local, and tribal levels of government
• Research and innovation – assessing emerging trends, challenges and opportunities facing counties, and exchanging proven practices and innovative approaches
• Capacity building – delivering to county officials training and resources that support local priorities 

A member of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors since 2014, Gore previously served in the Peace Corps in Bolivia and in President Barack Obama’s administration as assistant chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. He has been an active member of NACo, including chairing the Resilient Counties Advisory Board. He additionally served as president of the California State Association of Counties and was appointed to the California State Wildfire and Forest Resiliency Task Force, among other affiliations. 

“We are poised for an extraordinary year focused on the issues where counties can make a difference and truly improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Gore. “Together, we will create opportunities for a brighter future for all.”  

View NACo’s coverage and video of Gore’s remarks here and photos here.