NASHVILLE — The National Association of Counties (NACo) achieved a great deal of success the past 12 months under the leadership of Maricopa County, Ariz., Supervisor Don Stapley. Stapley, first elected as a NACo officer in 2005, completed his term as NACo president on July 28 at the 74th Annual Conference and Exposition in Nashville/Davidson County, Tenn. at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this great organization this year, and it was a pleasure to work with my fellow county officials from across the country,” said Stapley, referring to the thousands of elected and appointed officials who participate in NACo. “We effectively worked for improved immigration legislation on the federal level, one of the Obama Administration’s goals, and improved green practices across the country.”
As a part of the Restore the Partnership campaign, Stapley advocated for NACo’s Green Government Initiative and comprehensive immigration reform. NACo held the County Forum on Energy Independence, as well as over 20 webinars, to educate county officials on all things green and encourage counties to save money through energy efficiency. While immigration reform has not been reached, Stapley and NACo remain optimistic and look forward to participating in the process.
“Greener county fleets, new LEED-certified buildings, and the use of wind and solar power and other renewable energy sources give me hope for a better economic future,” said Stapley.
Stapley thanked his own county constituents for their patience and understanding over the past year as his NACo obligations required his participation in meetings and conferences across the country on behalf of America’s counties.
Following the conference in Nashville, Stapley will remain an executive officer and NACo and serve the next 12 months as immediate past president.
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The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,068 counties. NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public's understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money. For more information about NACo, visit www.naco.org