In Memory of Charlotte Williams, NACo President 1978-1979
Upcoming Events
Related News
![cwillimas_obit_scan.jpg Image of cwillimas_obit_scan.jpg](https://www.naco.org/sites/default/files/styles/807x448/public/articles/cwillimas_obit_scan.jpg?h=08888f77&itok=dckzSG_e)
NACo’s first African-American Board president, Charlotte Williams, died Jan. 14 in her home county, Genesee, Mich. She was 88. Williams led NACo in 1978–1979 during the term of President Jimmy Carter.
“For her time, she was a real pioneer in promoting women in politics and African Americans in NACo,” said Tim McGuire, retired Michigan Association of Counties executive. Williams ran for NACo office when McGuire’s father, Barry, was MAC executive director and Tim was a MAC staffer.
“She was a lovely, lovely person,” McGuire continued. “She didn’t have a chip on her shoulder. She was a really, really sharp lady.”
Williams was also the first elected black female commissioner on the Genesee County Board in 1965, where she served for 15 years.
Attachments
Related News
![North Dakota Association of Counties (NDACo) President Jayme Tenneson (center), with colleagues on the association’s Board of Directors (l-r): Nick Moser, third vice president (Cavalier County), Trudy Ruland, first vice president (Mountrail County), Tenneson, Chad Kaiser, second vice president (Stutsman county) and Steve Lee, past president (McLean County). Photo courtesy of NDACo](https://www.naco.org/sites/default/files/styles/385x285/public/2024-06/061724NIK.jpg?h=2f556f17&itok=HF_WtTjB)
Now I Know to Build Your Network
When Jayme Tenneson took over as Nelson County and Griggs County, N.D.’s state’s attorney, he leaned on his friends, colleagues and law school classmates to help him learn the ropes.
![1920_aspect_AA Web_options.png](https://www.naco.org/sites/default/files/styles/385x285/public/2023-10/1920_aspect_AA%20Web_options.png?h=000b1f97&itok=0YGhSUTQ)
Announcing 2024 NACo Achievement Award Winners
NACo is pleased to announce the winners for the 2024 Achievement Awards.
![Former Washington State Association of Counties Executive Director Eric Johnson speaks during the 2019 NACo Legislative Conference. Photo by Denny Henry](https://www.naco.org/sites/default/files/styles/385x285/public/2024-05/060324EricJohnson-web.jpg?h=2f556f17&itok=b6PlcQRZ)
Washington exec Johnson exits ‘stage West’ after 17 years
Eric Johnson’s focus on fundamental county issues helped WSAC members stay on track