At its May meeting held in Anchorage, Alaska May 18-20, Malheur County Judge Dan Joyce was installed as the National Association of Counties (NACo) Western Interstate Region (WIR) Board of Directors President for the term of July 2022-2023.
In his new role, Joyce will lead the board, a NACo affiliate, as they support promotion of Western interests within NACo. These interests include public land issues, community stability and economic development, and the promotion of the traditional Western way of life.
“It is an honor to serve in this role. WIR provides an important platform for us to elevate Western issues with the federal government, and to connect with peers on critical issues facing our counties,” commented Joyce.
Joyce is joined on the executive committee by Carbon County Commissioner (WY) John Espy who will serve as first vice president, Commissioner, Stevens County (WA) Wes McCart as second vice president, and Beaver County Commissioner (Utah) Mark Whitney as immediate past president.
The WIR Conference brings together county officials from across the nation to focus on pressing issues facing counties and our residents. Each year the conference is hosted by a county within the fifteen Western states—Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming—and provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with federal, state, and regional policymakers; participate in educational sessions and take home tools to address challenges.
During the conference, participants engaged in discussions about national defense, market insights, building resilience related to finance and technical assistance, broadband, and more.
Featured speakers at the event included: U.S Senator Lisa Murdkowski (R-Alaska); Governor Mike Dunleavy (Alaska); Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson; U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, Alejandra Y. Castillo; and University of Alaska President Pat Pitney.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate