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
The County Storytellers Toolkit
County Storytellers will explore the art and science of powerful, purposeful stories. Watch this space as new content is added throughout the year, related to themes like:
Crafting impactful narratives
Distill complex county challenges and solutions into compelling, concise messages fueled by rich examples and meaningful data
Leveraging technology
From video reels to automated transcription tools, scale content and amplify stories by harnessing the modern power of digital platforms
Turning data into stories
With a treasure trove of county data at our fingertips, maximize the balance of qualitative and quantitative elements to illustrate why our work matters, who it serves, and the impact of county investments
Building connection and trust
Tap into the power of stories to humanize government, reminding our constituents that behind every decision is a neighbor, a leader, a person who cares and an issue that matters
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 2026: Release of County Storytellers toolkit and workbook
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.
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.
J.D. Clark is up to a Texas-sized challenge
NACo's new president got his start in county government covering meetings for his local newspaper as a high school student.
NFL veteran harnesses magic and forgiveness to overcome adversity
No matter what the world throws at you, it’s up to you to chart your own path, NFL veteran and magician Jon Dorenbos told the NACo Annual Conference attendees.
Driving GenAI in County Government: A Collaborative, Outcomes-Focused Approach
Artificial intelligence—especially generative AI—is no longer a “future trend” for county governments. It’s here, and its impact depends on how it’s implemented. Successful projects don’t start and end with the IT department; they require strong collaboration across communications, customer service, and business units to ensure technology delivers real outcomes for residents.
2026 NCCAE Presidents and Executives Directors Meeting
Join NACo and the National Council of County Association Executives for the Presidents & Executives Meeting January 14–16, 2026 in Washington, D.C.