NACo announced that Matthew D. Chase has been named the association’s Executive Director. The announcement came as thousands of the country’s local government leaders gathered in Pittsburgh for NACo’s 77th Annual Conference and Exposition.
Mr. Chase, 41, will assume the Executive Director role at NACo on Sept. 17, 2012. As Executive Director, Mr. Chase will serve as the spokesman for NACo and America’s counties; advocate before federal policymakers with aligned organizations and partners; and promote counties and county issues to the media on behalf of NACo’s more than 2,400 members. He will also direct the operations, initiatives and staff of the association.
“I am thrilled that Matt has accepted the offer to become our Executive Director. His talents will enhance our efforts to represent counties in Washington and continue to improve the connection between NACo and our local county elected officials,” said Lenny Eliason, NACo President and Athens County Commissioner. “Matt’s experiences at the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) have prepared him to succeed at NACo and keep the shine on our 75-year legacy as the representative of county officials nationwide. Matt has big shoes to fill replacing our retiring director, Larry Naake.”
“It is a great honor to be joining the NACo team. The association and its membership of county officials are essential leaders in preparing America for a better future,” said Mr. Chase. “NACo has an incredibly talented group of leaders, members and staff who are dedicated to improving the quality of life, public services, and economic conditions across the country. I look forward to furthering the association’s proud legacy of advancing the goals of our nation’s counties.”
Mr. Chase joins NACo from NADO, which represents the nation’s local government-based regional planning and development organizations. He has served as NADO’s Executive Director since 2003 and was previously the Director of Legislative Affairs and Deputy Executive Director. He began his career with the Professional Managers Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Hartwick College, and a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University.
“I personally want to thank Larry Naake for his 21 years of service to NACo and the extraordinary leadership he has provided to our organization and local governments across the country, said Eliason. “Larry guided NACo through some very difficult times and has built it into a very successful organization. We will miss his leadership and wish him well in the next chapter of his life. I know that Matt is looking forward to building upon the strong foundation that Larry has built and is eager to lead all of the talented and dedicated staff of NACo to fulfill our important mission.”
