Loftis honored as Outstanding County Commissioner

Gaston County chairman led state, national veterans efforts

Donnie Loftis became Gaston County's first winner of the NCACC's Outstanding County Commissioner Award during the 104th Annual Conference. Loftis, who chaired the NCACC's Veterans Outreach and Services Task Force as well as the National Association of Counties' Veterans and Military Service Task Force, received the honor Aug. 20 from Wake County's Joe Bryan, the NCACC's past president.

Donnie Loftis is the first Outstanding County Commissioner to hail from Gaston County. (Photos by Jason King)

The award recognizes commissioners who perform exemplary work on behalf of counties beyond their own county boundaries and give their time and energy to issues of statewide and national significance.

"Donnie Loftis took on leadership roles both within the NCACC and within the National Association of Counties," said Bryan. "He was tapped by me to lead one of our special task forces this year to examine the ways that counties can enhance the services we provide for our veterans and their families. His leadership ability was also recognized outside our state, because NACo President Glen Whitley asked him to lead a national task force on the same issue."

Loftis has been appointed by new NCACC President Kenneth Edge of Cumberland County to again lead the NCACC Veterans Outreach and Services Task Force in 2011-12.

NACo's Veterans and Military Service Task Force was created by former NACo President Glenn Whitley to engage NACo and its members to develop and highlight county best practices and policies to promote innovative programs, services and benefits for the nation's military, veterans and their families.

Gaston County Manager Jan Winters and Clerk to the Board Martha Jordan surprised Outstanding County Commissioner Award winner Donnie Loftis following the announcement.

Bryan said Loftis was the perfect choice to lead both task forces due to his extensive military experience. In June 2010, Loftis retired after a distinguished 30-year career in the N.C. Army National Guard. He is serving his second term on the Gaston County Board of Commissioners and is the current chairman.

The Outstanding County Commissioner Award has been presented annually since 1964. It is awarded in honor of M.H. "Jack" Brock, a former Harnett County commissioner who served as NCACC president in 1973-74 and who won the award in 1981. The award is presented each year during the Association's Annual Conference.

A listing of all winners is available online at www.ncacc.org/awards/other/outstandingcc.html.