WASHINGTON – Umatilla County has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents and the internal organizational culture of the County itself as an employer. Umatilla County was chosen from 616 entries across 32 states.
NACo is proud to recognize Umatilla County’s Professional Development Program which began in the spring of 2014 and has grown to include an extensive curriculum, leadership development programming, an onboarding experience, succession planning, employee engagement and team building efforts; as well as a dedicated area to encourage employees to focus on their personal professional growth.
NACo President Greg Cox said, “Counties overcome complex challenges, provide essential services and constantly do more with less. We applaud these Achievement Award-winning counties for outstanding efforts to improve residents’ quality of life and workplace culture.”
Nationally, awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
NACo will recognize award-winning counties at its 2019 Annual Conference and Exposition in July 2019 in Las Vegas. Umatilla County Board of Commissioners Vice-Chair, John Shafer and Program Consultant, Susan Bower of Eastern Oregon Business Source will represent Umatilla County at an awards luncheon.
Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Award Program is designed to recognize innovative county government programs.
The National Association of Counties (NACo) unites America’s 3,069 county governments. Founded in 1935, NACo brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on national policy, exchange ideas and build new leadership skills, pursue transformational county solutions, enrich the public’s understanding of county government and exercise exemplary leadership in public service. Learn more at www.naco.org
Contributed by: Lindsey Maggard | NACO