Guilford County Local Government received national recognition for innovative public service and strengthened its voice in national county policy during the 2026 National Association of Counties Annual Conference and Exposition, held July 17–20 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 91st annual conference brought together more than 3,000 elected and appointed county leaders from across the United States to share successful practices, develop federal policy priorities and address issues affecting the nation’s 3,069 counties, parishes and boroughs. Conference programming included policy steering committee meetings, educational workshops, general sessions and the election of NACo’s 2026–27 leadership.
Two of Guilford County’s Commissioners were recognized for their outstanding leadership and service within the national organization.
Commissioner Carly Cooke was recognized by NACo Past President J.D. Clark for her service as Vice Chair of the Mid-Size County Caucus during the 2025-26 term. And was subsequently appointed by the incoming NACo President George Dunlap to advance in leadership to serve as Chair of the National Mid-Size County Caucus for the upcoming 2026-27 year.
"I’m excited to continue the work of the National Mid-Size County Caucus”, said District 5 Commissioner Carly Cooke. “It is a great opportunity for counties like ours, who are faced with finding the balance between the needs of our rural and urban communities, fostering a strong collaboration among our peers to bring effective strategies and solutions home. Making a positive difference for our residents is really what it is all about.”
Chairman Skip Alston stated “This is an important leadership role. Commissioner Cooke will help bring counties similarly sized to Guilford County together from across the country to discuss the challenges we share, exchange ideas and help shape policies that impact local governments and the people we serve.”
Commissioner Kay Cashion was also recognized for her leadership and service as Vice Chair of NACo's Arts & Culture Innovation Council and for her leadership in raising awareness about the importance of arts and culture in our communities as well as her work on the Justice and Public Safety Commission.
Commissioner Cashion has been a strong advocate for recognizing that arts and culture are not only important to our quality of life, but also support jobs, strengthen communities and serve as important drivers of economic growth. She has also served continuously on the Justice and Public Safety Committee at all levels of leadership to improve prevention and intervention efforts nationally as well as raise awareness of the needs of our public safety agencies.
Several other Commissioners were also selected to continue serving Guilford County in NACo leadership, policy and committee roles for the 2026-27 term.
Commissioner Carly Cooke will also continue her service on the NACo Human Services and Education Policy Steering Committee.
Commissioner Kay Cashion was reappointed as Vice Chair of the Arts & Culture Innovation Council. She will also serve with the Large Urban County Caucus, the Resilient Counties Innovation Council, the Veterans and Military Services Advisory Council, and the Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee.
Commissioner Brandon Gray-Hill will serve as a member of the Large Urban County Caucus.
Commissioner Mary Beth Murphy was reappointed to the Immigration Advisory Council.
Commissioner Alan Perdue was reappointed to the Telecommunications and Technology Policy Steering Committee.
And Commissioner Pat Tillman was reappointed to the Veterans and Military Services Advisory Council.
These appointments give Guilford County a strong voice in conversations taking place at the national level, and I want to congratulate each of our commissioners for their willingness to serve on these national committees and boards.
In addition to its strong leadership presence, Guilford County received five 2026 NACo Achievement Awards recognizing programs that demonstrate innovation, effective government and a commitment to meeting community needs.
The award-winning Guilford County programs include:
- Guilford County Budget Town Hall Series (General Achievement Award), presented in the Civic Education and Public Information category
- Friends in Action SNAP/Medicaid Series (General Achievement Award), presented in the Human Services category
- Guilford County Public Health - Community Shield Program (General Achievement Award), presented as the 2026 National Association of Counties and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Model Practice Award Winner
- Statewide MWBE Impact Study (General Achievement Award), presented in the Community and Economic Development category
- The Melvin “Skip” Alston Golf Classic Supporting Homeless Initiative
(General Achievement Award), presented in the Community and Economic Development and GAGC Community Impact Award category
Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding county programs and services in 18 categories covering a broad range of county responsibilities. The awards provide national recognition to county governments developing effective and innovative approaches to serving their residents.
“Guilford County continues to be recognized nationally because of the dedication of our employees and the innovative programs they have developed to serve our residents,” said Guilford County Board of Commissioners Chair Melvin “Skip” Alston. “These awards reflect the quality of work taking place across our organization. Our appointments within NACo also give Guilford County a meaningful opportunity to help shape national policies that affect counties and the people we serve.”
NACo’s policy steering committees help develop the American County Platform, which guides the association’s advocacy before Congress, the White House and federal agencies. Committee members provide local perspectives on national issues involving public safety, health and human services, economic development, transportation, technology, taxation, education, the environment and other county responsibilities.
Guilford County’s awards, committee appointments and conference participation demonstrate the County’s continued leadership among local governments and its commitment to advancing policies and programs that support healthy, safe and vibrant communities.
