Commissioner Dunlap ascends to National Association of Counties presidency; Mecklenburg leaders hail the move

Commissioner Dunlap ascended to the presidency of the National Association of Counties, and colleagues at a Mecklenburg County meeting praised his decades of public service and the opportunity for the county to share best practices nationally.

Fellow commissioners and county staff highlighted Dunlap's career "from the military to the school board, county commission," and his six years as chair, saying the national role is a culmination of long service. "It's an amazing day, not only for him, but it's certainly a culmination of his service," said the commissioner who opened the remarks.

Dunlap thanked his Mecklenburg County colleagues for their support and for trusting him to "represent us on this stage," saying he is humbled to serve. "I'm happy to represent Mecklenburg County. I'm happy to represent the state of North Carolina," he said, framing the National Association of Counties (NACo) as a vehicle to advocate on behalf of counties.

Speakers stressed the scope of the role: one colleague noted NACo represents more than 3,000 counties nationwide, saying the organization connects leaders across urban, suburban and rural jurisdictions and can move county-level initiatives forward. County employees said the national seat brings pride to the workforce; one speaker offered praise on behalf of the county's roughly 6,400 employees.

Officials said they expect Dunlap to use the presidency to share Mecklenburg County's work in human services, public safety, land use and environmental services and to promote policies that counties across the country can adopt. Dunlap described the role as a forum for counties to be heard "when there are no other voices speaking on behalf of the counties."

The Board's remarks were ceremonial and congratulatory; the transcript records no motions, votes, or formal policy directives tied to the event.