Santa Fe, NM- Anna Hansen, Santa Fe County Commission Chair (D-2) was elected President of the Women of NACo leadership network (WON) at this year’s National Association of Counties (NACo) annual conference in Austin, Texas. The Women of NACo leadership network is a bipartisan caucus established over forty years ago for women, by women, to enhance the overall effectiveness of female county officials. The mission of WON seeks to offer female county officials the best professional development opportunities to be effective leaders in all arenas of the political process.

Melissa McKinlay, former County Commissioner for Palm Beach County Florida and former President of WON emphasized the importance of the network, “Women have a special skill of being able to work across differences, including political ones, when it comes time to find solutions on issues that affect our health, our families, and our communities. Focusing on issues such as human trafficking prevention, domestic violence and other victim services, housing, workforce development, mental health and substance use services have all been important topics of discussion within Women of NACo.”

 Commissioner Hansen served as the Vice President of WON in 2022 while also serving in leadership capacities at NACo, including Vice Chair of the Policy Steering Committee for Environment, Energy, and Land Use and Vice Chair on the Arts and Culture Commission. During this time, she sponsored resolutions for the Reauthorization of the National Heritage Areas, protection of the DOE Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, protections of pollinators, and in support of Congresswomen Leger Fernandez legislation on Historic Tribal protection. “As President of WON, I aspire to form a new committee, Counties for Climate Action, to ensure that as a caucus, we develop a stronger policy platform to advocate for the equal rights amendment and health care for women nationally,” Commissioner Hansen said.

“I am excited for Commissioner Hansen’s term as President of the Women of NACo and her passion for advocacy, community and leadership. She brings such a kind, yet firm, voice developed from decades of advocating for women across Santa Fe County, her state and our nation. I am confident, as a past President, that she will develop a cohesive legislative agenda that advances women and good leadership.” Melissa McKinlay’s enthusiastic response to Commission Chair Hansen’s recent election to President of WON.

Santa Fe County congratulates County Commission Chair Anna Hansen on her election as President of the Women of NACo and for her continuous advocacy for women.

For media inquiries, please contact Communications Coordinator, Olivia Romo at orromo@santafecountynm.gov

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