100 Counties Prepared Training

The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) is launching an updated 100 Counties Prepared training series, designed to equip county leaders and staff with the skills to respond effectively to today’s challenges.

Offered as in-person regional sessions in the Piedmont, Eastern, and Western regions, this training is primarily intended for county commissioners but welcomes other key staff, including emergency managers, county managers, public information officers, attorneys, and others involved in disaster response and recovery.

The updated curriculum focuses on crisis communications, including countering misinformation and navigating real-world disaster scenarios, as well as a high-level Emergency Management 101 overview tailored for county leadership. The training also clarifies legal authorities during disasters and shares operational best practices to strengthen county preparedness and response.

Featured Speakers

• William Ray
  Director, North Carolina Emergency Management
  William Ray leads statewide preparedness efforts and coordinates resources to support local response and recovery for all hazards. Ray also serves as North Carolina’s deputy homeland security advisor, collaborating with federal, state, and local public safety and intelligence partners.

• Mark Weaver
  Founder, Communications Counsel, and Adjunct Professor, UNC School of Government
  Mark Weaver is a nationally recognized crisis communications attorney and consultant with more than three decades of experience advising government and private-sector leaders on crisis response, misinformation, and high-profile communications challenges.

• Norma Houston
  NCACC Disaster Recovery Advisor
  Norma Houston is a highly respected leader in public law and emergency management with more than 30 years of public service. Houston is widely regarded as a trusted resource for local officials on emergency management authorities, FEMA compliance, and public procurement. She previously served as a lecturer at the UNC School of Government and adjunct professor at the UNC School of Law.