By Larry Jones
August 6, 2012

NACo leaders announced on July 16 during the 77th Annual Conference of the National Association of Counties in Pittsburg that Matthew D. Chase has been named the new Executive Director of NACo replacing Larry Naake, who is retiring after 21 years of service. Chase will assume the duties of NACo executive director later this year on September 17.

For the past nine years, Chase has served as executive director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), a Washington (DC) based advocacy group for regional planning and development organizations. He started at NADO in 1997 and previously served as director of legislative affairs and deputy executive director. Chase is recognized for building NADO into a strong national association with a prominent voice for regional approaches and solutions.

County officials also elected Douglas County (NE) Commissioner Chris Rodgers as the new NACo president. Rodgers has served as commissioner in Douglas County (Omaha) since 2005 and has shown a strong interest in increasing public health resources, strengthening community corrections programs, reforming the juvenile justice system, and controlling spending through better use of taxpayer dollars. He also served as an assistant to former Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey.

Rounding out the top officers of NACo, county officials also elected Linn County (IA) Commissioner Linda Langston as First Vice President; Maui County (HI) Commissioner Riki Hokama as Second Vice President; and Athens County (OH) Commissioner Lenny Eliason as immediate Past President.