Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas has been reappointed as Chair of the Telecommunications & Technology Policy Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties (NACo). This marks her second term in this national leadership role. NACo President J.D. Clark made the appointment after being sworn in on July 14 at the organization’s annual conference, which is recognized as the largest gathering of county leaders in the United States.
“It’s an honor to be reappointed to lead NACo’s Telecommunications & Technology Committee, especially at a time when counties are navigating rapid advancements in AI, broadband infrastructure and digital equity,” said Commissioner Thomas. “I’m proud to bring Wake County’s perspective to the national conversation and look forward to working with my peers across the country to ensure all communities have the tools they need to connect, grow and thrive.”
Commissioner Thomas has represented District 6 on Wake County’s Board since 2020 and served as Board Chair from 2022 through 2024. She has held several state and national leadership positions, including contributing to North Carolina Association of County Commissioners’ broadband and data fluency task force, co-chairing an initiative on opioid settlement funding, and currently leading the Legislative Goals Committee for 2024–2025. In recognition of her service, she received the M.H. “Jack” Brock Outstanding County Commissioner Award earlier this year. She also participates in a NACo work group focused on generative artificial intelligence in local government.
The Telecommunications & Technology Policy Steering Committee guides policy on issues such as regulatory roles for counties, cable services, information technology systems, e-governance initiatives, and GIS data collection.
