Holt County Supervisor Bill Tielke and Candace Meredith, NACO Deputy Director, joined Mary Ann Borgeson and Chris Rodgers, Douglas County Commissioners and NACo Past Presidents, at the 2025 NACo Fall Board of Directors Meeting & County Storytellers Symposium, held December 4–6 in Wise County, Texas. As members of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Board of Directors, Bill Tielke, Mary Ann Borgeson and Chris Rodgers participated alongside county leaders from across the country in three days of policy discussions, leadership development, and strategic planning.

The symposium focused on the power of storytelling as a tool for strengthening community engagement. Attendees heard from Pulitzer Prize–nominated author S.C. Gwynne and Texas singer/songwriter Drew Kennedy, who shared insights on how narrative and history influence local leadership. In addition, the Nebraska delegation took part in sessions examining national public opinion trends affecting county governance, federal–state policy challenges, communication and data tools for county officials and strategic discussions shaping NACo’s direction for 2026 and beyond.

NACO’s continued involvement ensures that the priorities of Nebraska’s counties remain strongly represented in national policy conversations and in NACo’s mission to strengthen America’s counties. From Candace Meredith’s perspective, participating in NACo events provides valuable opportunities to help shape the resources, best practices, and educational tools that NACO brings back to support Nebraska counties statewide.

To learn more about NACo resources, visit naco.org or contact Candace Meredith to find out how you can become involved in NACo events.