NCACC Hosts Statewide Leadership Orientation for County Board Chairs and Vice Chairs

GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. – County board chairs, vice chairs, commissioners and county staff from across North Carolina convened on January 8, 2026, for Leading Your County Governing Board: An Orientation for County Board Chairs, a daylong leadership program hosted by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC).

Designed to support both newly elected and experienced board leaders, the orientation focused on the leadership, legal, and communication responsibilities of presiding officers. The program opened with welcome remarks from NCACC President and Perquimans County Commissioner Wallace Nelson and featured expert-led sessions, panel discussions and scenario-based learning grounded in real-world county government experience.

“Serving as a board chair or vice chair is both an honor and a responsibility,” said President Nelson. “These roles sit at the intersection of law, leadership, and public trust. Bringing together board leaders, commissioners, and county staff helps strengthen alignment, improve communication, and support effective, ethical county governance long after today’s session ends.”

Program topics included leading effective meetings, collaborating with county staff, managing public comment and First Amendment considerations, understanding the legal and procedural responsibilities of the board chair, leading during emergencies and crises, and using social media strategically to build public trust. Presenters included faculty from the UNC School of Government, NCACC legal and disaster recovery staff, and county emergency management leaders who shared practical, real-world guidance.

The orientation emphasized peer learning and collaboration, encouraging participants to share experiences, discuss challenges, and build professional connections that support strong governance statewide. For more information about NCACC and its leadership development opportunities, visit ncacc.org. 

###

Print-quality photos may be downloaded for use here. Photo should be credited as follows: Photo courtesy of NCACC.