NCACC Executive Director Takes Position with National Organization | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    David F. Thompson, who has led the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners for the past nine years, will leave his position as Executive Director in October to take a position with the National Association of Counties (NACo). Thompson will be President and Managing Director of the NACo Financial Services Center (FSC), beginning Nov. 5, 2014.

    “After a national search and rigorous process spanning several months, David was among a very high-caliber slate of qualified candidates,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew D. Chase. “He was chosen to lead the NACo FSC based on his impressive track record of success, strong reputation as a visionary leader and sterling credentials as a county manager and state association executive.”

    Thompson was named NCACC Executive Director in July 2005, when he was chosen after a nationwide search to replace longtime executive director C. Ronald Aycock, who had been executive director since 1977. During Thompson’s tenure, he helped transform the NCACC into one of the most influential advocacy groups in the state. The Association has achieved many legislative successes during his term, most notably a longtime goal to rid counties of any responsibility for funding Medicaid services, which was accomplished in 2007. Medicaid relief had been the Association’s top legislative priority for years.

    “I have enjoyed working with and for our county commissioners over the past nine years, building on the legacy of former executive director Ron Aycock,” Thompson said. “The knowledge I have that the NCACC is continuing forward with a passionate and visionary leader in President Ronnie Beale (Macon County Commissioner) and an equally talented group of executive officers is very comforting upon my departure. There is no doubt that the NCACC will just keep getting better and better with this leadership.”

    Thompson began his service to counties in 1982 in Mecklenburg County, N.C. During his career, he has served as county manager for the North Carolina counties of Hertford, Stanly, Henderson and Durham.

    Thompson left government for a stint in the private sector to serve as a managing partner for FreemanWhite, Inc., the oldest and second largest architectural/engineering/consulting firm in the Carolinas at that time. He holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from North Carolina State University and has participated on boards and councils such as the Council of Southern County Associations (past president), University of North Carolina School of Government Foundation Board (member), and County Reinsurance, Limited National Board of Directors (member).

    NACo Financial Services' focus is to assist counties and partners with value-added, cost-effective services that provide solutions and savings. Its programs include cooperative purchasing, retirement savings programs for county employees, healthcare, infrastructure and financial programs that offer bond financing, investment management and short-term cash management.

    Contact: Christopher L. Baucom,

     (919) 715-7336  •  christopher.baucom@ncacc.org