The 2026 NACO Board of Directors officers are focused on advancing our mission and guiding our organization forward. Here are there priorities and goals for the upcoming term:

President – Valery Bell, Box Butte County Treasurer

I look forward to helping protect local control and keeping decisions close to the people they affect.  I am also excited for the year ahead in getting to see all 93 Counties effectively serve their constituents by strengthening collaboration and helping provide the necessary tools and resources that NACO can help with.

Vice President – Troy Uhlir, Madison County Commissioner

As Vice President of the Nebraska Association of County Officials, my goal is to support strong leadership while staying closely connected to our members. I am committed to working alongside the President and Executive Board to advance NACO’s priorities and ensure continuity in leadership, while also preparing for future responsibilities.

Staying engaged with county officials across Nebraska is a top priority for me. I want to be visible, accessible, and responsive by attending affiliate meetings and events whenever possible and by listening to the issues that matter most at the local level. Member input is essential to keeping NACO relevant and effective.

I will continue to support NACO’s legislative advocacy efforts and encourage member involvement in the legislative process. Protecting and strengthening county government requires collaboration, clear communication, and active engagement.

I also believe strongly in education and professional development. Supporting meaningful training opportunities and encouraging leadership development will help ensure the long-term success of county government in Nebraska.

Above all, I am committed to representing NACO with professionalism, integrity, and a spirit of collaboration as we work together to serve Nebraska’s counties.

2nd Vice President – Micaela Wuehler, Lincoln County Commissioner

As the 2026 Second Vice President of NACO, I am “All In” on serving as a strong statewide advocate for Nebraska’s counties. I will listen closely to the ideas and concerns of those who entrust me with this role and carry your message into every room I enter. My commitment is to foster unity among counties, state leaders, and national partners, while standing firmly for what “The 93” are fighting for.

I plan to continue and improve my work in the Nebraska Legislative process. I will also champion expanded education and professional development for county officials and the professionals who support our work. I look forward to helping guide NACO’s long-term vision and serving not only as a good steward of this position, but as a leader dedicated to elevating county priorities. Above all, I will work to strengthen public trust and support the governance responsibilities that keep NACO effective, responsive, and united.

Secretary/Treasurer – Emily Haxby, Gage County Supervisor

I’m really looking forward to continuing to serve Nebraska counties on the NACO Board in 2026. This organization matters because it brings counties together, and when we work together, we get better outcomes for everyone. My goal this year is to keep listening, keep showing up, and help counties navigate challenges big and small. I’m excited to build on the relationships we’ve made, learn from one another, and keep pushing ourselves to be better for the next generation of county leaders and the people we serve.

Past President – Diana Hurlburt, Garfield County Commissioner

Each county has its own story to tell! I am going to encourage each county to continue to tell their story to the Nebraska Legislature to let members of the legislative body know that every decision that counties make is guided by the core mission to help counties to find and implement innovative and cost-effective solutions to meet community challenges and services. I want to work to improve the public's understanding of county government and the services NACO implements with quality results, with NACO's continued growth in data collection, research, and the storytelling of each county. This information will strengthen NACO's ability to share data with state and federal leaders and provide them with tools to effectively know county stories. I am excited to expand this community-based education to build and reform statutes that are directly impacting Nebraska counties. Communication is so important for the commitment and culture of the connection and services that NACO stands for, and I am so excited to work alongside a team so dedicated to the well-being of the Nebraska counties we serve, and be a part of this by being on the board.