"Intergovs" celebrate excellence

The National Association of County Intergovernmental Relations Officials (NACIRO) celebrated excellence in county advocacy during its 2026 Annual Business Meeting in New Orleans. NACIRO is a professional association of intergovernmental relations officials (Intergovs) that serves as a forum to exchange ideas on policy and build meaningful relationships with peers from across the nation. 

At the Annual Meeting, NACIRO recognized Jessica Corbitt-Dominguez of Fulton County, Georgia, as the 2026 Intergovernmental Relations Officer of the Year and Liz Young of Hennepin County, Minnesota, as the inaugural recipient of the NACIRO Emerging Leader of the Year Award.

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The National Association of County Intergovernmental Relations Officers is professional association of intergovernmental relations officials and county advocates with members across the United States.

NACIRO President Danny De Hoog believes that recognition of fellow intergovs is extremely valuable, “this group often works behind the scenes on policy areas that have huge impacts to county governments” she said, “it is rare for those in our profession to be publicly recognized.”

NACIRO Immediate Past President Tiffany Stewart-Stanley introduced Jessica Corbitt-Dominguez, Director of Fulton County’s Department of External Affairs at the Annual Meeting. 

"Jessica’s selection as the NACIRO Intergovernmental Relations Official of the Year is a testament to her pioneering leadership and unwavering dedication to public service in Georgia.” Stewart-Stanley said that it was an honor to present the award to an individual that “has consistently set the standard for excellence in intergovernmental relations, and whose work continues to elevate our profession and inspire all who have the privilege to serve alongside her."

Corbitt-Dominguez has served Fulton County for more than 25 years and currently leads its communications, digital, intergovernmental, and interagency affairs divisions. She serves as a key liaison between county leadership, 40 departments, justice partners, municipalities, and state and federal officials, while also guiding the county’s legislative strategy and monitoring policy developments during Georgia’s legislative sessions.

“This year's NACo conference provided another wonderful opportunity to be inspired by stories of colleagues from sister counties around the country who are fighting for critical services and funding for our residents," Corbitt-Dominguez said. "I was reminded by the importance of this work — fighting for better lives for people we may never have the opportunity to meet. I am humbled to be in the company of these fine public servants and was especially honored to be recognized by NACIRO.”

NACIRO also presented its inaugural Emerging Leader of the Year Award to Liz Young, Director of Intergovernmental Relations for Hennepin County. In less than two years as Director, Young coordinated statewide advocacy across Minnesota’s 87 counties, helped prevent costly state mandates, and secured significant funding for human services technology systems. She also played a key role in building bipartisan support for a $750 million rescue package to stabilize Hennepin County’s public safety-net hospital during a financial crisis. 

"Liz is an exemplar of a public servant, having spent most of her professional life in or adjacent to government," said NACIRO Past President Kareem Murphy, Hennepin County's deputy county administrator.  "It's those values, serving our residents and eliminating our disparities, that drives her work. It's why she was able to step into the role of county intergovernmental relations and then quickly lead a team. This moment calls for values-based leadership and that is 100% of what Liz brings." 

Relationship building, professional growth, and shared best practices are priorities of NACIRO.  De Hoog shared her perspective that “intergovs navigate changing political landscapes and policy priorities at every level of government, a job that requires unique knowledge, emotional intelligence, negotiation skills, charisma, and above all grit. NACIRO is proud to recognize two incredible women who embody all these attributes.”