FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Coconino County officials are gaining national recognition for their leadership and advocacy, as several were appointed to influential federal committees at this year’s National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference. The event, which brings together representatives from more than 3,000 U.S. counties, focuses on shaping federal policy, sharing best practices, and strengthening the voice of counties at the national level.
The newly announced appointments place Coconino County at the center of important national conversations about rural development, public lands, disaster response, and economic resilience.
“NACo brings counties together to find solutions to shared challenges and improve the services we deliver every day,” said Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Board and District 1 Supervisor. “Here in Coconino County, we’re proud to be leaders on the national stage who help shape policies that impact rural communities like ours.”
Horstman was named Vice-Chair of the Public Lands Policy Steering Committee, while Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar will serve as Vice-Chair of the Finance, Pensions, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.
District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler received several key appointments, including a seat on the NACo Board of Directors and Vice-Chair roles on both the Rural Action Caucus and the Community, Economic, and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee.
“It’s an honor to continue representing rural and tribal communities at the national level,” Fowler said. “From disaster preparedness to economic opportunities, our rural voices matter—and I’m committed to ensuring they remain part of the national dialogue.”
Fowler is also serving on the NACo Rural Energy Academy and the Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, where she is helping develop strategies for resilient communities and modern disaster response systems.
Other Coconino County leaders serving in federal policy positions include:
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District 3 Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros – Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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District 4 Supervisor Judy Begay – Human Services & Education
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Vice-Chair and District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez – Transportation and Advisory Council on Immigration and Intergovernmental Affairs
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District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler – Veterans & Military Service Advisory Council and Advisory Council on Immigration and Intergovernmental Affairs
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Chair Patrice Horstman – Western Interstate Region Board of Directors, Arizona Representative
These appointments underscore Coconino County’s growing influence in shaping federal policies that impact rural and tribal regions across the U.S.
To learn more about NACo and its national efforts, visit www.naco.org.
