Presidential Spotlight: County Storytellers
During his inaugural remarks at the 2025 NACo Annual Conference, President J.D. Clark outlined his presidential spotlight, “County Storytellers.” The spotlight, inspired by the importance of county leadership, will explore the art and science of powerful, purposeful stories.
“We are the storytellers. And our story is still being written.”
– NACo President J.D. Clark
A Year of Storytelling
Throughout the year, we’ll spotlight counties telling stories with purpose and pride. We’ll share techniques, hear from local officials using storytelling to drive progress and explore how stories can break through the noise.
Key Moments
July 2025: Launch of storytelling campaign, “Voices of NACo at 90”
December 4-6, 2025: County Storytellers Symposium, Wise County, Texas
February-July 2026: Conference workshops & webinars on storytelling
April 2026: County News Hot Topic on County Storytellers
County News
J.D. Clark takes office as NACo president
J.D. Clark stressed the importance of telling the county story as he took office as NACo president.
Conference
2025 Fall Board of Directors Meeting and County Storytellers Symposium
Under the leadership of National Association of Counties (NACo) President JD Clark, the 2025 NACo Storytellers Symposium and Fall Board of Directors Meeting will convene county leaders in Wise County, Texas December 4–6, 2025.
NACo Hosts County Leaders in Washington, D.C. and Launches We Are Counties National Public Affairs Advocacy Campaign
NACo is hosting nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country for our annual Legislative Conference February 21-24.
Podcast: Panache and presentation boost highlight reels of county action
Riverside County, Calif. tapped a talented communications staffer to bring to life news from their Board of Supervisors with their program Board Brief. Pep Fernandez, along with CEO Jeff Van Wagenen, explain the program's success and NACo President J.D. Clark fleshes out his County Storytellers spotlight.
Now I know I can adapt my communication style
San Juan County, N.M. Commissioner Terri Fortner spent her career working with people one-on-one, but she overcame hangups about online communication when the pandemic forced her onto video calls when she first took office.
County service meets a veteran’s need for purpose in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
After Drew Mullins transitioned from a high-performance lifestyle in the military, he found the environment and purpose he sought when he took office in his county.
Now I know that solid waste is complicated
Custer County, Idaho Commissioner Will Naillon says solid waste removal is "one of the things that people often take for granted until it’s their job to make sure it happens... that’s the story of being a county commissioner."
Professional Development Academy and National Association of Counties launch expanded partnership to support local government leaders
Professional Development Academy and NACo expand their partnership to train 10,000 more county leaders, equipping officials with critical leadership and tech skills.