About NACo
Our Mission
Strengthen America’s counties.
Our Vision
Healthy, safe and vibrant counties across America.
Stronger Counties. Stronger America.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents the interests of America’s counties, serving as a powerful voice in federal policymaking and a vital part of our nation’s intergovernmental system. With a membership of over 1,500 county elected and professional officials, NACo brings together leaders from across the country to shape national policies, share best practices and strengthen counties for a stronger America.
At the heart of NACo’s mission is a commitment to advancing county priorities, promoting innovative policies, nurturing leadership skills and building networks of knowledge and collaboration. Through our committees, caucuses and task forces, NACo empowers counties to optimize resources, improve services and enhance public understanding of county government.
NACo is dedicated to creating opportunities for counties to lead, learn, and advocate, ensuring that counties remain strong and capable of meeting the needs of their residents.
Leadership
NACo’s leadership, comprising our four National Officers and Board of Directors, guides the organization’s policies, priorities, and advocacy for county governments nationwide.
2024-2025 Officers
NACo's four National Officers – President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Immediate Past President – are elected by the full membership at the annual business meeting.
Hon. James Gore
Hon. J.D. Clark
Hon. George Dunlap
Hon. Mary Jo McGuire
NACo Values
We are passionate about advancing excellence in public service to help people and places thrive across America.
We embrace and respect our diversity of experience, heritage and thought.
We sustain our ingenuity and impact by harnessing our collective knowledge and by cultivating collegiality, civility and inclusivity.
We are steadfast in our shared pursuit to enrich our membership value exponentially, guided by the belief that stronger counties result in a stronger America.
Performance Priorities
Inspire exemplary county leadership
- Intensify member participation and experiences
- Present world-class forums for peer networking and knowledge exchange
- Cultivate leadership skills development and lifelong learning
- Optimize alliances with state associations, affiliates and strategic partners
Achieve county priorities in national policymaking
- Elevate the importance of counties in setting America’s public policy
- Attain county policy priorities at the federal level
- Drive favorable national and state policy initiatives and models
- Produce definitive, actionable county research and data analytics
Amplify county solutions in public service excellence
- Empower county leaders with evidence-based policies and practices
- Forge multi-sector partnerships for county innovation and impact
- Showcase and recognize county excellence
- Enrich the public’s understanding of county government through civic and youth education
Optimize county and association resources and cost savings
- Secure and sustain the association’s financial position
- Be impeccable stewards of the association’s assets
- Evolve existing enterprise programs for sustained member value
- Advance new value-added, cost-effective solutions for counties and the public
Perform as a preeminent association
- Embody NACo’s Values and Code of Practice
- Thrive as a premier employer of choice
- Expand the skills, horizons and engagement of the NACo staff
- Assist counties in workforce attraction, retention and wellness
Explore How NACo Works
NACo is owned by America’s county governments. Below, explore how NACo works, including leadership and governance, partners, stakeholders and priorities.
Leadership & Governance
NACo is led by its Executive Committee and Board of Directors, a dedicated group of county officials who guide the organization’s mission, priorities, and advocacy efforts.
Committees & Caucuses
NACo is a grassroots-driven organization that encourages member engagement. Currently, we have more than 1,100 individual county elected and appointed officials from every region of the country represented on our 10 policy steering committees, ad hoc and standing committees, caucuses and task forces.
NACo Membership
When your county is a member of NACo, all county elected officials and staff are members and can access, engage, network, save and succeed. Learn how become a member and how to get involved.
NACo EDGE
NACo EDGE establishes sustainable, cost-saving and value-added solutions that can be applied to counties nationwide. By providing quality solutions, we strive to develop and maintain healthy, vibrant and safe counties across the US.
Directory of Programs & Resources
A full listing NACo's committees, initiatives and tools for counties – this is your playbook for all things NACo.
State Associations, Affiliates and Affinity Organizations
State associations, national affiliates and affinity organizations work alongside NACo to strengthen county governments through collaboration, advocacy, and shared resources.
NACo Staff
NACo’s staff works to support the organization’s programs, advocacy and member services. Find individual staff, get personalized assistance and explore opportunities to join NACo's team.
Join your fellow county leaders. Become a member today.
When your county is a member of NACo, all county elected officials and staff are members and can access, engage, network, save and succeed.
Demonstrate your county spirit
Find your favorite NACo gear
Demonstrate your county spirit with NACo gear. Browse the virtual store to find your favorites.
