Staff notes: Blackburn announces retirement from NCACC

Close the book on the long and legendary career of Jim Blackburn. The NCACC's legislative counsel, who since December 1984 has served as legal counsel for the Association, announced at the end of May he would retire this year. He will continue with the Association in a consulting role and will offer counsel to the Government Relations Team through the legislative short session.

Blackburn often ranked among the top 50 most influential lobbyists in a bi-annual survey conducted by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research. In the most recent rankings released following the 2008 short session, Blackburn placed 31st.

A look back at Blackburn's 25-plus year career at the Association will run in the July issue of CountyLines.

More staff notes: Whitney Lundy began a 10-week internship with the Association on May 24. Lundy, who recently completed her first year at the Campbell University School of Law, will assist Executive Counsel Sharon Scudder in legal research. … Thomas Jones, a student in Western Carolina University's Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program, began a 10-week internship at the NCACC on June 7. He will assist Director of Government Relations Kevin Leonard and the Government Relations Team. Jones is the son of Cherokee County Commissioner and NCACC District 17 Director Dana Jones. … Wellness Coordinator Alissa Willett traveled to Nash County on June 3 to meet with area Emergency Medical Services directors and personnel and discuss fitness standards and workplace culture. … Senior Software Engineer Michael Collard traveled to Moore County from June 7-9 to participate in a GIS Tools and Functionality class taught by Moore County GIS Director Chris Koltyk. … Communications Director Todd McGee was a panelist for a June 3 webinar sponsored by the National Association of Counties titled "Stay Ahead of the Story: Media Relations Strategies for County Officials in Tough Times." … Information Systems Director Judy Rhyne represented the NCACC at the N.C. Local Government Information Systems Association's Annual Conference, which was held May 25-28 in Wilmington. Network Engineer Glenn Girton and Programmer Analyst Donald Czysz also attended the conference.