WASHINGTON – Will County, Ill. Board Member Denise Winfrey was sworn in as president of the National Association of Counties (NACo) on July 24 at the conclusion of NACo’s 87th Annual Conference in Adams County, Colo.  

“I am honored to lead the National Association of Counties as we pursue opportunities to strengthen our communities for the future,” said Winfrey. “Counties have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in addressing the challenges we have faced in recent years – and continue to face today. I look forward to delivering tools and resources that will help all our counties and residents rise to new heights.”

In her inaugural remarks, Winfrey outlined her presidential priority, “RISE!” Through this focus, she plans to elevate the county role in promoting Resiliency, Inclusion, Solvency and Empowerment. The theme’s exclamation point underscores the importance of telling county success stories in each of these areas.   

In the year ahead, NACo will uplift county examples of enhancing county resiliency for the future, promoting community inclusion, helping residents establish solvency through economic mobility opportunities, and empowering county leaders with educational resources and tools for informed decision-making.

Active in NACo for many years, Winfrey has served on NACo’s Large Urban County Caucus; Healthy Counties Advisory Board; Community, Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee; International Economic Development Task Force; Resilient Counties Advisory Board; and Membership Standing Committee.

She is a member of the Women of NACo and the National Organization of Black County Officials. She is also a graduate of NACo’s High Performance Leadership Academy.

Winfrey began her career in government as a member of the Joliet, Ill. Township Board. She has been a member of the Will County, Ill. Board since 2009.

Held in Adams County, Colo., NACo’s Annual Conference attracted nearly 3,000 county leaders and partners from across the country.

Will County, Ill. Board Member Herbert Brooks, Jr., administered Winfrey’s oath of office, as members of her family joined on stage. View the video of her remarks here and photos here.