Matt Chase, '98

Matthew D. Chase has served as the Executive Director of the National Association of Counties (NACo) since September 2012. As the chief executive officer he is responsible for the daily management of NACo, the only national association representing America’s 3,069 county governments.

Previously, Matt served nearly a decade as executive director of the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), which represents local government-based regional development organizations. Prior to becoming NADO’s executive director, he was the organization’s legislative affairs director and deputy executive director. He began his career with the Professional Managers Association, serving as membership services director and chief operating officer.

During his professional career, Matt has focused on promoting America’s economic competitiveness, strengthening the intergovernmental system of federal, state and local officials, and engaging local government officials in the federal policymaking process. In addition, he is a regular presenter on the impact of federal budget and policy trends on local governments and communities.

Matt was raised in Warren and Washington counties in Upstate New York. He is a graduate of Hartwick College in Otsego County, New York, and holds a master's degree in political management from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Matt was introduced to county government by his stepfather who held two elective offices in Washington County – district attorney and judge.

He resides in Arlington County, Virginia with his wife, Shana, where they are raising their two young sons: Nicholas and William.