At the 2024 annual County Commissioners’ Legislative Conference, hosted through the National Association of Counties (NACo) in Washington DC, the Guilford County Delegation brought back a new national leadership role to add to its already healthy leadership resume. At the conference earlier this month, Guilford County Commissioner At-Large Kay Cashion was appointed to serve on the NACo Board of Directors in one of the Association President’s 10 at-large seats.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) works to enhance the effectiveness of American counties, supporting around 40,000 elected county officials and 3.6 million county employees. Established in 1935, NACo brings together county officials to champion county interests in national policymaking, highlight and encourage outstanding county policies and practices, foster leadership abilities, broaden knowledge networks, improve the utilization of county and taxpayer resources for cost savings, and enhance public awareness and understanding of county government.
The board of directors at the National Association of Counties (NACo) is responsible for guiding the association's strategic goals, policies, and priorities. They also supervise the organization's policies, business operations, and property matters. Board members are elected or appointed county officials hailing from active member counties, or designated officials. These individuals are nominated during the Annual Conference to assume roles on the Board.
Cashion has been previously selected to serve as a member of the NACo Board of Directors from 2009-2015 as well as many other leadership roles within the organization since becoming a county commissioner. Cashion currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Arts and Culture Commission, Member of the Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC), Veterans and Military Services Steering Committee Member and Board of Directors Vice Chair for the Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee. She has previously served as Chair for both the Arts and Culture Commission and Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee.
During this year’s conference Guilford County’s delegation joined nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and their residents. This year’s conference highlighted broadband infrastructure, housing initiatives, Veterans services and much more. In between legislative sessions, commissioners were able to meet with their Federal Legislative Delegations as well as a federal agency.
Cashion was also appointment to Chair of the NACo 2024-25 Nominating Committee for election of NACo 2nd Vice President at national convention this upcoming July in Hillsborough County, Florida. This Committee is responsible for the election process before and during the annual conference.
"I am honored and humbled to be appointed as the Chair 2024-25 Nominating Committee, entrusted with the crucial responsibility of overseeing the election process for the NACo 2nd Vice President at the national convention in July,” said Cashion. “Serving in this capacity is not just a role; it is a commitment to uphold the democratic values that shape our organization. Together, we will contribute to the strength and integrity of NACo as we elect leaders who will guide us in advancing the interests of counties nationwide."
Commissioner Cashion accompanied Chairman Skip Alston, Vice-Chair Carlvena Foster, Commissioner Alan Perdue, Commissioner Patrick Tillman and Commissioner Brandon Gray-Hill along with county executive staff to participate in this year’s legislative sessions.