National Association of Counties Announces Additions to Senior Leadership

WASHINGTON – The National Association of Counties (NACo) announced today that Abby Davidson has been promoted into the role of Chief Research Officer. Davidson joins Chief Government Affairs Officer Eryn Hurley, announced earlier this month, and 2025 additions Lori Dicker, Chief Public Affairs Officer, and Luis Guardia, Chief Financial Officer, to round out a series of additions to the association’s senior leadership team.

“Each of these team members brings to our leadership team excellence in their field and a passion for NACo’s mission strengthening America’s counties,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “Our association and the counties we serve need strong internal leadership to drive our work forward with strategy, collaboration and management acumen.”

• Abby Davidson joined NACo from the Aspen Institute, where she led large-scale research projects. She brings expertise in research practice and economics, as well as deep knowledge of entrepreneurial management solutions. Her role as Chief Research Officer oversees surveys, economic analysis, data visualization and development of data-driven print and digital resources.
• Lori Dicker brings to NACo more than 20 years of experience in communications and digital transformation, including senior leadership roles in nonprofits, media and global agencies including PBS, AARP, Omnicom and Publicis Media. Her role as Chief Public Affairs Officer oversees branding, membership, conferences and events, corporate sponsorships, civic education, digital marketing and communications, and content, including County News.
• Luis Guardia is a 30-year veteran of nonprofit finance and business operations, most recently providing philanthropic and strategic advisory services to humanitarian organizations including The Food Research & Action Center, The ONE Campaign and Global Impact Ventures. His role as Chief Financial Officer oversees financial management, internal technology services and other strategy and operational support.
• Eryn Hurley has built over a decade of experience advancing federal policy priorities on behalf of county governments. Her role as Chief Government Affairs Officer oversees bipartisan advocacy efforts to build effective relationships and champion county policy priorities with the White House, on Capitol Hill and across federal agencies.

These leadership announcements come as counties share 2026 federal policy priorities and plan for a year where counties will navigate H.R. 1 implementation and the associated cost and administrative shifts. NACo is also preparing to announce a multi-channel national public awareness campaign, to be launched next month at the association’s 2026 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

“This is the expertise we need to move NACo’s work forward and support our members in the years ahead,” said Chase. “I look forward to counties and our intergovernmental partners seeing how the creativity and discipline of these leaders will shape our association.”