Agenda
Our agenda is still taking shape, with more exciting additions waiting in the bullpen — stay tuned as we continue to build out the conference experience!
Thursday, August 20
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
CONVENTION CENTER ENTRANCE
Check-In and Registration Desk Open
10:00 – 10:45 AM
GRAND BALLROOM
Opening Ceremony
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
GRAND BALLROOM
Networking Lunch
12:15 – 1:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM A 1/2
Successfully Onboarding New Board Members
This session explores how counties can prepare for leadership transitions after elections and the steps they take to ensure a smooth, successful start for newly constituted boards. Learn more ↗
12:15 – 1:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM B
Veterans Affairs Across North Carolina: From Heroes to Neighbors
This session explores the vital role of Veteran Service Officers and how they connect veterans with essential benefits, resources, and advocacy while strengthening communities. Learn more ↗
12:15 – 1:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM C
Understanding Disaster Declarations and How to Prepare for Evolving Federal Involvement
Speakers: Norma Houston, Commissioner Todd McNeill, Lacy Pate, Joe Stanton, Commissioner Frank Williams
12:15 – 1:30 PM
MEETING ROOM 3/4
Local Government Commission 101
Speaker: Denise Canada
This session provides an overview of the Local Government Commission’s (LGC) role in promoting sound financial management and fiscal health across North Carolina’s local governments. Learn more ↗
1:45 – 3:00 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM A 1/2
Ethics, Conflicts of Interest, and Open Government (Part 1 of 2)
Speakers: Amy Bason, Bob Hagemann, Kara Millonzi
This workshop focuses on important requirements for board members and their legal and ethical responsibilities. Learn more ↗
1:45 – 3:00 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM B
Resilient Workforce, Stronger Communities: A Trauma-Informed Path Forward
Speakers: Jessica Adams, Hillary Chen, Kody Krebs, Aalece Pugh, Jenna Regan
This session explores trauma-informed approaches and highlights three North Carolina counties using innovative strategies to strengthen their workforces and improve county services. Learn more ↗
1:45 – 3:00 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM C
Mechanics and Money: What Commissioners Need to Know About the Budget and Reserves
Speakers: Amy Cannon, Paula Loftin
This session explores North Carolina’s county budget process, reserve fund best practices, and strategies for using fund balance to support long-term fiscal stability. Learn more ↗
1:45 – 3:00 PM
MEETING ROOM 3/4
Charting a Future for North Carolina Agriculture
Speakers: Andrew Branan, David Monks, Ray Starling
This session explores different aspects of ongoing work around the state to increase farmland preservation efforts through increased profitability, land use decisions, and workforce development. Learn more ↗
3:15 – 4:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM A 1/2
Ethics, Conflicts of Interest, and Open Government (Part 2 of 2)
Speakers: Amy Bason, Bob Hagemann, Kara Millonzi
This workshop focuses on important requirements for board members and their legal and ethical responsibilities. Learn more ↗
3:15 – 4:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM B
Wellness Advantage: Investing in Your Workforce
Speakers: Dr. Ashley Duggins, Sam Varner, Dr. Kristi L. Wallace // Moderated by: Commissioner Hope Haywood
This session highlights Randolph County’s comprehensive employee wellness program and explores how wraparound services can improve employee well-being, reduce costs, and strengthen recruitment and retention. Learn more ↗
3:15 – 4:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM C
The Mental Health Crisis and Its Impact on Our Counties
Speakers: Jeff Walker, Dr. Anita Wilson, Dr. Ted Zarzar
This session explores the challenges North Carolina counties face in addressing the growing mental health crisis and opportunities to improve flexibility, strengthen partnerships, and better align resources with community needs. Learn more ↗
3:15 – 4:30 PM
MEETING ROOM 3/4
An Update on the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program
Speakers: Alice Pollard, Maggie Woods
This session explores how the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program will meet its goals like strengthening rural health systems and improving patient outcomes, and how counties can partner to benefit their residents. Learn more ↗
4:30 – 5:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM A 1/2
NC Association of Black County Officials (NCABCO) Business Meeting
5:30 – 6:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM D
First Night Networking Reception
Host: NC Cooperative Extension
6:30 – 9:00 PM
GRAND BALLROOM
First Night Celebration
Host: NC Cooperative Extension
Friday, August 21
7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
CONVENTION CENTER ENTRANCE
Check-In and Registration Desk Open
7:30 – 8:30 AM
GRAND BALLROOM
Networking & Light Breakfast Options
9:00 – 10:15 AM
GRAND BALLROOM
[Keynote Session] Leading Beyond the Office: Creating a Legacy of Service in Your Community
Speaker: Jason Brown
Former NFL player and community leader Jason Brown will explore how service-centered leadership, community engagement, and investing in people can build trust, strengthen collaboration, and create a lasting legacy in communities. Learn more ↗
10:30 – 11:45 AM
JUNIOR BALLROOM A 1/2
NC ROOTS (Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability) and Rural Health
Speakers: Rachel Couper, Cindy Ehlers, Dr. Lynne Fiscus, Matt Gitzinger
Learn how NC ROOTS Hubs will work with community partners to advance rural health initiatives across primary care, behavioral health, workforce development, value-based payments, and digital health. Learn more ↗
10:30 – 11:45 AM
JUNIOR BALLROOM B
Data Centers: Opportunities, Challenges, and Considerations for North Carolina Counties
Speakers: Adam Lovelady, Dean A. Lynch
This session provides a national and statewide perspective on the many decision points and planning for data centers. Learn more ↗
10:30 – 11:45 AM
JUNIOR BALLROOM C
Dollars & Decisions: Navigating School Funding Together
Speakers: Ricky Lopes, Leanne Winner
This session brings together county and school board perspectives to explore how education funding works, highlight recent changes, and strengthen collaboration between counties and school district partners. Learn more ↗
10:30 – 11:45 AM
MEETING ROOM 3/4
North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition: Strength Through Regional Partnership
Speakers: Commissioner Mary Ellon Ballance, Todd Ballance, Senator Bobby Hanig, Jess Hawkins, Commissioner Bob Woodard
This session explores how the North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition brought together county leaders, legislators, industry representatives, and stakeholders to address shared fisheries challenges and build a stronger regional voice. Learn more ↗
12:00 – 1:30 PM
GRAND BALLROOM
Networking Lunch
12:00 – 1:30 PM
[OFF-SITE] 21C MAIN GALLERY
NC Association of Black County Officials (NCABCO) Scholarship Banquet
This event is ticketed. Tickets can be purchased here.
12:00 – 1:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM B
NC Association of County Clerks Luncheon
12:00 – 1:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM D
NC City and County Management Association (NCCCMA) Luncheon
1:45 – 3:00 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM A 1/2
[Split Session] Before the Bump: Protecting Health Before and Beyond Birth // From Vaping to Vitality: Teens, Vaping, and Healthier Futures
Speakers: Kella Hatcher, Betsey Tilson
This split session explores the challenges facing maternal and infant health in North Carolina, including disparities in care, preventable maternal mortality, and the impact of adolescent vaping and nicotine exposure on long-term health outcomes. Learn more ↗
1:45 – 3:00 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM B
County Fire Protection: What Commissioners Need to Know
Speakers: Commissioner Wes Greene, Barry Overman
This session provides information on county fire protection and offers perspectives on how they can better prepare to serve their communities by strengthening overall fire protection. Learn more ↗
1:45 – 3:00 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM C
Evidence Within Reach: Partnering to Turn County Questions Into Answers
Speaker: Nathan Dollar
This session explores how a broad concern can become a research project and how to identify the questions and data needed to make it happen.. Learn more ↗
1:45 – 3:00 PM
MEETING ROOM 3/4
LGIP 101: Best Practices for Local Government Investment Pools + Family Feud: County Edition [Sponsored by North Carolina Investment Pool]
Speakers: Otis Powell, Brian J. Sanker
This session covers the critical components of Local Government Investment Pools (LGIPs) and review best practices for pools. Learn more ↗
3:15 – 4:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM C
Property Tax Reappraisals and Budgeting [Sponsored by Vincent Valuations]
Speakers: David Baker, Christopher B. McLaughlin, Ryan Vincent
This session covers the statutory requirements of the county boards of commissioners and their roles in having a successful reappraisal. Learn more ↗
3:15 – 4:30 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM B
Solid Waste Landfill Capacity: Current Status and Future Considerations
Speakers: Roy Baldwin, Matt James, Sherri Stanley
This session informs local leaders of current and future landfill capacity considerations — and innovations and ideas that can be considered in waste management planning. Learn more ↗
3:15 – 4:30 PM
MEETING ROOM 3/4
United States and North Carolina Economic Update [Sponsored by North Carolina Capital Management Trust]
Speaker: Michael Morin
This session explores the current U.S. and North Carolina economic landscape, the Federal Reserve’s progress toward its dual mandate, and key economic risks. Learn more ↗
3:15 – 4:30 PM
OFF-SITE
Off-Site Tour: Affordable Housing Tour of Durham County’s East Main Street Redevelopment
Speakers: Ashanti Brown, Justin Lee, Peri Manns, Sarah Odio, Greg Smith
Seating is limited; registration is required.
Tour Durham County’s East Main Street Redevelopment to explore how public-private partnerships, innovative financing, and community engagement transformed downtown surface parking lots into a vibrant mixed-income district featuring affordable housing, retail, coworking, and community spaces. Learn more ↗
3:15 – 4:30 PM
OFF-SITE
Off-Site Tour: Durham County Main Library Behind-the-Scenes
Speaker and tour facilitator: Dana Conners
Seating is limited; registration is required.
This tour of the Durham County Library offers a behind-the-scenes look at the vision and community engagement behind the new Main Library building, with a guided exploration of the spaces and features that support modern library services. Learn more ↗
3:15 – 4:30 PM
OFF-SITE
Off-Site Tour: Knox St. Studios — An Innovative Approach to Local Economic Development
Speaker and tour facilitator: Lee Gray
Seating is limited; registration is required.
Explore how Knox St. Studios supports local economic development by helping residents move from community members to entrepreneurs and employers through a county-library partnership that fosters innovation, opportunity, and community investment. Learn more ↗
Saturday, August 22
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
CONVENTION CENTER ENTRANCE
Check-In and Registration Desk Open
8:00 – 9:00 AM
GRAND BALLROOM
Networking Breakfast
9:00 – 10:15 AM
GRAND BALLROOM
[Keynote Session] Bridging the Gap: A Conversation on Public Health, Access, Accountability, and the Future of Care
Speaker: Dr. David Zaas
A leading health system executive will explore how collaboration, innovation, and community-focused partnerships can address health challenges, improve access, and strengthen the systems of care that support healthier communities. Learn more ↗
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM A 1/2
What Is ... NCACC Strategic Member Services?
Speaker: Jason King
This session puts a game show twist on county technical assistance, featuring fast-paced insights on opioid settlement funds, tax and financial operations, management and governance, and disaster recovery. Learn more ↗
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM C
Tax Policy Changes and What Commissioners Need to Know
Speakers: David Baker, Joy Hicks, Catherine Moga Bryant
This session provides an update on recent property tax legislation, what changes have been enacted, and what counties can expect in 2027 and beyond. Learn more ↗
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
MEETING ROOM 3/4
Hazard or Hoax: The County Risk Exposures Game Show
Speakers: Nachia Revels, NCACC County Risk Group staff
This session uses a fun, interactive game-show format to explore common county risk exposures and provide practical insights into identifying and managing risks faced by counties. Learn more ↗
12:15 – 12:45 PM
GRAND BALLROOM
Networking Lunch
12:45 – 1:45 PM
GRAND BALLROOM
100 Strong Productions Documentary Screening
1:45 – 2:00 PM
GRAND BALLROOM
The Final Inning: Conference Wrap-Up
2:15 – 3:45 PM
JUNIOR BALLROOM B
NCACC Annual Business Session
6:00 – 10:00 PM
GRAND BALLROOM
President’s Banquet & New President’s Reception
Honoring the leadership of NCACC President and Perquimans County Commissioner Wallace Nelson and celebrating newly elected NCACC President and Hoke County Commissioner Allen Thomas
This event is ticketed. Tickets can be purchased here.