NCACC Strategic Member Services (SMS) provides North Carolina public servants with trusted coaching, guidance and technical assistance that inspires good government and thriving communities.
Funds directed to county governments through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) offer enormous opportunity for county leaders to address challenges unique to their communities and potentially undertake significant capital projects. Additionally, proceeds from the national opioid settlement have enabled counties to help lead the way in recovering from the opioid epidemic on the front lines.
While these funds represent an opportune moment to meet needs and provide services, a complex set of federal and state guidelines accompany the funds along with extensive reporting requirements.
The Association is building internal capacity and expertise to help counties respond to the heightened load of administrative duties through a new service arm, NCACC Strategic Member Services.
SMS strives to assist counties in the areas of:
- Strategic planning and collaborative conversations
A special team of professionals with county management or finance experience is available to facilitate discussions with county staff and boards of county commissioners to set direction and goals for county services.
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- Federal compliance standards and eligible projects
NCACC staff with targeted knowledge of ARPA guidelines and federal Uniform Guidance provisions can provide expertise and guidance to counties in multiple areas and help meet the requirements of the opioid settlement MOA.
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- Project management, grant management, subrecipient monitoring and oversight, expenditure reporting, community outreach, and communications
The Strategic Project Coordinator Program (SPC Program) is a service offered by the Strategic Member Services department of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC). This mutually beneficial program is designed to engage early-career professionals — or those exploring a transition into local government — who hold a master’s degree and are interested in county government. These individuals manage and support specific projects that deliver capacity assistance and technical support to North Carolina counties. This cohort-based program provides an opportunity to create meaningful experiences for emerging professionals to grow their peer learning and professional networks in local government, inspiring their continued commitment and investment in county government.
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Meet the SMS Leadership Team
Jason King
Director of Strategic Member Services
(919) 715-0045 Email Jason
Lacy Pate
Director of Disaster Recovery and Grant Assistance
(919) 715-2297 Email Lacy Lacy Pate
Lacy Pate is the Director of Disaster Recovery and Grant Assistance, where she leads a team of senior‑level experts supporting western North Carolina counties in long‑term recovery from Tropical Storm Helene. Her background includes serving as a senior advisor in the U.S. Senate on disaster recovery and national security, leading recovery policy efforts, supporting legislative negotiations on disaster relief, Water Resources Development Act reauthorization, and National Flood Insurance Program reform, and conducting community and intergovernmental outreach following several federally declared disasters, including Superstorm Sandy and 500‑year flooding. She has extensive experience assisting survivors, businesses, and local governments with accessing federal disaster assistance. Previously, Lacy launched and led an NCACC technical assistance program helping all 100 counties implement more than $2 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding, providing education and technical guidance on eligibility, compliance, and reporting. She also served as NCACC’s Public Relations Manager, acting as spokesperson and lead writer and generating more than 100 positive media placements elevating the work of North Carolina’s counties. Lacy holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies (Irregular Warfare) from the United States Naval War College, a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Kent (Brussels), and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stonehill College.(919) 715-2297 Email Lacy Pate
Nidhi Sachdeva
Director of Strategic Health & Opioid Initiatives
(919) 719-1114 Email Nidhi Nidhi Sachdeva
Develops and oversees the Association Strategic Health and Opioid Initiatives Program within the Strategic Members Services Department by creating a comprehensive program of outreach, education, and collaboration to assist counties in planning for and utilizing opioid settlement funds, managing strategic health initiatives, and maximizing available resources.(919) 719-1114 Email Nidhi Sachdeva
Neil Emory
Outreach Services Manager
(910) 985-1140 Email Neil Neil Emory
Works with counties to identify, triage and implement solutions to service issues. Consults and educates membership on endorsed services, products and programs.(910) 985-1140 Email Neil Emory
Paula Loftin
County Financial Operations Manager
(919) 719-1127 Email Paula