Agenda
Our agenda is still taking shape, with more exciting updates to come — stay tuned as we continue to enhance the experience!
Thursday, August 21
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
CONCOURSE
Check-In and Registration Desk Open
9:00 – 11:15 AM
GALLERY 1 & 2
Ethics, Conflicts of Interest, and Open Government
This workshop covers key legal and ethical responsibilities of board members, including public records, open meetings, and practical tools for effective, transparent governance — fulfilling the required two-hour ethics training. Learn more ↗
9:00 – 11:15 AM
GALLERY 4 & 5
Understanding Real Property Reappraisals: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Speakers: David Baker, Kirk Boone, & Ryan Vincent
Gain a clear understanding of county property tax reappraisals in this expert-led session covering legal requirements, costs, funding strategies, commissioner roles, revenue impacts, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Learn more ↗
11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
EXHIBIT HALL C, D, E
Opening Ceremony and Networking Lunch
1:30 – 2:30 PM
GALLERY 4 & 5
Census Counts & Population Estimates: What You Can Do to Ensure You Are Getting an Accurate Picture of Your County’s Population (Part 1)
Speakers: Dr. Michael (Mike) Cline & Bob Coats
This session explains how population counts, estimates, and projections inform county planning and funding, highlights tools and trends that shape these numbers, and offers guidance on preparing for the 2030 Census. Learn more ↗
1:30 – 2:30 PM
EMERALD ROOM EAST
Strategic Planning Workshop I: Discovering NCACC’s Secret Sauce
Speakers: Laurel Edwards & Rebecca Fernandez
Help shape NCACC’s five-year strategic plan by sharing your county’s priorities, identifying what makes the Association valuable today, and exploring where counties are headed by 2030. Learn more ↗
1:30 – 2:30 PM
GALLERY 1 & 2
Strengthening the Workforce: Practical Solutions to Removing Barriers and Supporting Employee Success
Speakers: Janis Gallagher & Kristin Klinglesmith
This panel explores practical strategies to build resilient workplaces by addressing barriers like disability, recovery, and second-chance hiring while promoting wellness, development, and flexibility to strengthen recruitment and retention. Learn more ↗
2:45 – 4:00 PM
GALLERY 4 & 5
Census Counts and Population Estimates: What You Can Do to Ensure You Are Getting an Accurate Picture of Your County’s Population (Part 2)
Speakers: Dr. Michael (Mike) Cline & Bob Coats
This session explains how population counts, estimates, and projections inform county planning and funding, highlights tools and trends that shape these numbers, and offers guidance on preparing for the 2030 Census. Learn more ↗
2:45 – 3:45 PM
GALLERY 1 & 2
Leveraging Community Partnerships to Reduce Arrests: Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) in North Carolina
Speakers: Mollie Bolick, Melissia Larson, Lars Paul, & Katlynd Taylor
This session explores how law enforcement agencies are adopting public health strategies — like pre-arrest diversion and LEAD programs — to enhance community safety, featuring North Carolina models and new support resources. Learn more ↗
2:45 – 3:45 PM
EMERALD ROOM WEST
Proactive Risk Management: Knowing Your Risk Exposure
Speakers: Bob Carruth, Charlie Eaton, Michael Felts, & Nachia Revels
This interactive session from the NCACC County Risk Group offers real-world strategies to help counties identify, assess, and mitigate risks to employees, the public, and county assets for stronger financial stability. Learn more ↗
2:45 – 3:45 PM
EMERALD ROOM EAST
Strategic Planning Workshop II: Shaping NCACC’s Future Focus
Speakers: Laurel Edwards & Rebecca Fernandez
Help shape NCACC’s future by contributing to a shared 2030 vision and “Strategy on a Page” that reflects county priorities, perspectives, and evolving needs. Learn more ↗
4:15 – 5:15 PM
EMERALD ROOM EAST
NC Association of Black County Officials (NCABCO) Business Meeting
5:15 – 6:00 PM
EXHIBIT HALL A
Networking Reception
6:00 – 9:00 PM
EXHIBIT HALL C, D, E
First Night Celebration
Host: NC Cooperative Extension
Friday, August 22
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
CONCOURSE
Check-In and Registration Desk Open
7:30 – 8:30 AM
EXHIBIT HALL C, D, E
Networking Breakfast
8:30 – 10:15 AM
EXHIBIT HALL C, D, E
Keynote Session: Making the Case for Equitable Access to Health
Speaker: Dr. Jerome Adams
Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams will explore how advancing health equity through infrastructure, partnerships, and policy can reduce disparities, improve public health, and strengthen economic stability in communities. Learn more ↗
10:30 – 11:30 AM
EMERALD ROOM WEST
Advocacy in Action
Speakers: Congressman Don Davis, Congressman Dr. Gregory Murphy, Representative Gloristine Brown, Representative Timothy Reeder, Andrew Blackburn, Joy Hicks, Kyle Leopard, & Shirley Speidell
This session empowers county commissioners with practical strategies to effectively advocate at the state and federal levels by building relationships, communicating local needs, and navigating key policy processes. Learn more ↗
10:30 – 11:30 AM
EMERALD ROOM EAST
From Statute to Solution: Sheriffs’ Legal Roles and the NC RISE Approach
Speakers: Anna Abate, Sheriff Paula S. Dance, & Julia Petrasso
Discover how North Carolina sheriffs balance legal authority and behavioral health innovation in county jails through a review of statutory duties and a spotlight on the NC RISE program’s impact in Pitt County. Learn more ↗
10:30 – 11:30 AM
GALLERY 4 & 5
Lifting Off Together: Strengthening County-Airport Partnerships
Speakers: Mark Davidson, Daniel Findley, & Kim W. (Bill) Hopper
Moderator: Thomas Zajkowski
Explore how local leaders can partner with airport managers to strengthen governance, funding, and stakeholder engagement, positioning airports as strategic assets for regional growth and community resilience. Learn more ↗
10:30 – 11:30 AM
HILTON BALLROOM D
NC Association of County Clerks (NCACC) Meeting
10:30 – 11:30 AM
GALLERY 1 & 2
Strategic Fire Service Planning: Johnston County’s Path to the Future
Speakers: Patrick E. Harris & R.S. “Butch” Lawter, Jr.
Learn how Johnston County leaders addressed rising costs and population shifts by creating a countywide fire district funding model that promotes equitable cost-sharing and fire protection standards for all residents. Learn more ↗
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
EXHIBIT HALL C, D, E
Networking Lunch
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
HILTON BALLROOM F
NC Association of County Black Officials (NCABCO) Scholarship Banquet
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
HILTON BALLROOM D
NC Association of County Clerks (NCACC) Luncheon
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
EXHIBIT HALL B
NC City & County Management Association (NCCCMA) Luncheon
1:00 – 2:00 PM
GALLERY 1 & 2
Affordable Housing Strategy: Our State, Our Homes
Speakers: Alison Adams, Anita R. Brown-Graham, & Malcolm Fearing
Learn how 14 cross-sector community teams across 24 counties are tackling housing affordability through the UNC School of Government’s Our State, Our Homes initiative, which fosters collaborative, community-driven solutions. Learn more ↗
1:00 – 2:00 PM
EMERALD ROOM WEST
Cybersecurity Essentials: Protecting Counties in the Digital Age
Speakers: Cory Rankin, Mark Seelenbacher, & Dr. Shannon Tufts
As cyber threats to local governments increase, this session equips county commissioners with practical strategies — like incident response planning, staff training, and resource coordination — to strengthen cybersecurity and protect public services. Learn more ↗
1:00 – 3:15 PM
EXHIBIT HALL A
Reentry Simulation
Speaker: Audra Holsapple
This two-hour Reentry Simulation immerses participants in the first month of post-incarceration life, offering firsthand insight into the challenges individuals face when navigating reentry and accessing essential services. Learn more ↗
1:00 – 2:00 PM
GALLERY 4 & 5
Tapping into Funding: Resources for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Speakers: Shadi Eskaf & Andy Miller
This session explores funding strategies and state programs — like subsidized loans, grants, and the Viable Utilities initiative — that help counties manage drinking water and wastewater infrastructure amid rising costs and aging systems. Learn more ↗
1:00 – 2:00 PM
EMERALD ROOM EAST
You Make Me Want to Shout: Managing Incivility in Local Government
Speaker: Leisha DeHart-Davis
This session explores the impact of citizen incivility on local government employees in North Carolina and offers strategies to address behaviors that contribute to burnout and turnover. Learn more ↗
2:15 – 3:15 PM
EMERALD ROOM WEST
AI in North Carolina: Practical Tools and Policy Considerations for Local Leaders
Speakers: I-Sah Hsieh & Shinica Thomas
Join a candid fireside chat on how North Carolina is navigating the promises and pitfalls of emerging technology in local government, with practical insights, myth-busting, and a roadmap for collaborative innovation. Learn more ↗
2:15 – 3:15 PM
GALLERY 1 & 2
From Challenges to Solutions: Funding Public Schools Today
Speakers: Bobby Outten & Dr. Don Martin
Moderator: Johnna Sharpe
In this session, leaders from Dare and Forsyth counties share practical strategies and lessons learned as they navigate the complex challenges of school funding, tight budgets, and evolving community expectations. Learn more ↗
2:15 – 3:15 PM
GALLERY 4 & 5
Tailored Plans Launch: What’s Next for Integrated Care
Speakers: Joy Futrell, Tracy Hayes, Libby McCraw, Dave Richard, & Rob Robinson
This session, sponsored by NCAPCHP, features LME/MCO CEOs reflecting on the first year of Tailored Plans, highlighting lessons learned, emerging needs, and a future vision for integrated, person-centered behavioral health care. Learn more ↗
3:30 – 4:30 PM
EMERALD ROOM EAST
Updates from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)
Speaker: Dr. Devdutta Sangvai
Join NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Devdutta Sangvai for an inside look at key state health initiatives, county partnerships, and what the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” means for your community. Learn more ↗
3:30 – 4:30 PM
EMERALD ROOM WEST
Energy Resiliency in North Carolina
Speakers: John Lemire, Mark Oliver, & Elizabeth (Beth) Townsend
Energy leaders discuss how North Carolina is addressing grid reliability and resilience through infrastructure upgrades, smarter distribution, and strategies to meet evolving demand and secure the state’s energy future. Learn more ↗
3:30 – 4:30 PM
GALLERY 1 & 2
How New Schools Can Inspire Your County’s Growth
Speakers: Vernon J. Bryant, Tracey Johnson, Randall Mathews, & Katie Spigner
Moderator: Adam Pridemore
This session explores how counties can leverage nearly half a billion dollars in annual lottery-funded school capital programs to build, renovate, and improve educational facilities that support student success and community growth. Learn more ↗
3:30 – 5:30 PM
OFF-SITE
Off-Site Tour: The African American Cultural Trail
Speaker: Andrew Schmidt
Seating is Limited — Registration Required
This tour of Greenville’s African American Cultural Trail features six historic stops celebrating the leaders, landmarks, and lasting contributions of the city’s African American community. Learn more ↗
3:30 – 5:30 PM
OFF-SITE
Off-Site Tour: The Community Gardens at Alice F. Keene Park
Speakers: Jennifer Lanier-Coward & Katie Winslow
Seating is Limited — Registration Required
This tour of the Making Pitt Fit Community Garden and Alice F. Keene Park to explores how local partnerships, shared resources, and strategic planning have created vibrant, community-centered spaces for gardening, wellness, and connection. Learn more ↗
Saturday, August 23
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
CONCOURSE
Check-In and Registration Desk Open
8:00 – 9:00 AM
EXHIBIT HALL C, D, E
Networking Breakfast
9:00 – 10:15 AM
EXHIBIT HALL C, D, E
Keynote Session: Anatomy of a Purple State
Speaker: Dr. Christopher Cooper
This keynote draws from Anatomy of a Purple State to provide a nonpartisan, insightful exploration of North Carolina’s unique political landscape, blending history, data, and narrative to reveal how its diverse populations and evolving dynamics shape its role as a pivotal swing state. Learn more ↗
10:30 – 11:30 AM
GALLERY 4 & 5
Ensuring Confidence in Fair, Safe, and Secure Elections in North Carolina
Speakers: Dr. Michael Bitzer & Jennifer Roberts
This session shares key findings and county-level recommendations from a 15-month cross-partisan review of North Carolina’s election processes, along with lessons from recent public engagement efforts and guidance for future civic events. Learn more ↗
10:30 – 11:30 AM
GALLERY 1 & 2
Lessons Learned on the Front Lines of Disaster Response
Speakers: Dennis Aldridge, Kellie Blue, Norma Houston, Harley Masters, Todd McNeill, & William C. Ray
Moderator: Frank Williams
This session equips county commissioners to lead effectively through disaster response and recovery, combining expert guidance, real-world scenarios, and a reflective panel discussion on lessons learned and tips for preparedness. Learn more ↗
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
EXHIBIT HALL C, D, E
Networking Lunch
12:15 – 1:45 PM
EXHIBIT HALL C, D, E
100 Strong Productions Documentary Screening
“Rising Above Helene”
2:00 – 3:30 PM
EXHIBIT HALL A
NCACC Annual Business Session
6:00 – 8:30 PM
EXHIBIT HALL C, D, E
President’s Banquet
8:30 – 10:00 PM
EMERALD ROOMS EAST & WEST
New President’s Reception