McGee plays leadership roles in state, national groups

In his position as NCACC communications director, Todd McGee bears witness to the many demands placed on the president of a statewide association. He can now somewhat empathize with past presidents of the NCACC, having wrapped up a one-year term as 2009 president of the N.C. Association of Government Information Officers (NCAGIO), a nonprofit group of public affairs professionals in state and local government agencies that is dedicated to the principles of open government.

McGee began his term with two goals: increase membership and transform www.ncagio.org into a useful resource for members.

"I think we have succeeded on both fronts," he said. "The thing that I'm most pleased with is that our membership has grown by 20 to 30 professionals over the past year."

Although Web site development and maintenance is not part of the president's duties, McGee did just that by starting new sections on the site for updates on legislation involving public information and for career opportunities.

McGee attributed the growth of the membership to not only improvements on the Web site, but also to an active Board of Directors that focused on recruitment, positive word of mouth from current members, and the quality of speakers at monthly meetings.

Dedicated in part to the professional enhancement of its members, NCAGIO holds an annual seminar and monthly meetings for members to come together and share information and news related to the public information profession.

With the help of Dr. Elmer Oettinger at the Institute of Government at UNC-Chapel Hill, NCAGIO held its first seminar in January 1970. The organization currently has more than 130 members.

During his term, McGee pushed to lower the fee for the annual seminar by half, which he accomplished by switching the venue to the inexpensive Quorum Center in downtown Raleigh.

"Our conference was very well attended considering the budget restraints members are dealing with," McGee said.

In addition to his work with NCAGIO, McGee is also active with the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO). He was elected as NACIO second vice president during the NACo Annual Conference in July. NACIO officers serve two-year terms in each seat, putting McGee in line to become president of the organization in 2013.

As a NACo affiliate, NACIO holds a seat on the NACo Board of Directors. The NACIO past president fills that seat, meaning if all goes according to schedule, McGee would give N.C. another seat on the NACo Board in July 2015.