NLC Staff Stories

NLC staff stand on a large staircase together

Throughout NLC’s history, its staff has played an integral role in advancing the organization’s mission by conducting research, making connections, and amplifying the voices of cities, towns, and villages across the country. Watch the video below to hear from some of our NLC staff members about what it means to work for NLC at this significant moment in the organization’s history.

Throughout the 100^th Anniversary celebration in 2024, check back for more stories highlighting NLC’s staff and their work with the cities, towns, and villages that inspire them.

100th Spirit Committee Members Morgan Burch, Lakea Deans and Derrick Thompson

NLC Staff Book Drive Supports Local Literacy

At NLC, the 100th Spirit Committee is dedicated to engaging staff in celebrating NLC’s 100th anniversary efforts. During the 2023 holiday season, the committee engaged onsite and remote staff in embracing that spirit with a book drive to promote community literacy. Thanks to these efforts, NLC team members donated 165 books – exceeding the original goal of 100 books in honor of the 100-year milestone. Donations will support childhood literacy through Turning the Page, a nonprofit organization that works to increase access to educational resources by partnering with schools in Wards 7 and 8 in Washington, D.C.

“Learning to read and write is an ongoing process that begins in the earliest years of life,” says Jammie Albert, Early Childhood Success Program Director at NLC. “The stronger a child’s literacy foundation, the stronger all future learning will be.” Through the power of service, NLC staff embraced the organization’s Guiding Principles and values to make a small, yet lasting difference in the local community.

100 Reasons NLC Staff Love Cities

NLC staff are passionate about their work and bring that energy, insight, and talent to work each day supporting cities, towns, and villages. Hear about just a few of the communities our staff love and why in honor of NLC’s 100th Anniversary.

NLC Staff Showcase Creativity

To engage staff in the Centennial celebration, teams and individuals came together to share stories about their work. Throughout the year, staff were encouraged to create their own videos, and they came through with stunning stories and engaging narratives, showing the passion and dedication this team brings to advancing the mission of National League of Cities each and every day.

Each video below won special recognition, including most creative, People’s Choice (most votes and views), and best team and individual video.

Huge thanks to our incredible staff members who took the time to craft these fantastic videos!

NLC's Janice Pauline on Supporting New Orleans Following Hurricane Katrina

“NLC was just full steam ahead. It was one of those examples of how NLC just does not turn away from cities in their hour of need.” Janice Pauline, NLC’s Director of Business Events Operations and Administration, discusses her proudest memory of the organization – when NLC came through for New Orleans immediately following Hurricane Katrina.

NLC's REAL Team on Working with Cities to Make Lasting Change

“We’re REAL. Of course we help cities prioritize systemic change and racial healing.” Since 2014, NLC’s Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) team has offered tools and resources designed to help local elected leaders build safe places where people from all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds thrive socially, economically, academically and physically.

NLC's Brandis Stockman on Chronic Absenteeism and How City Leaders Can Re-Engage Youth

“Chronic absenteeism has more than doubled in communities across the country, and city leaders are stepping in to address the issue…Hartford is an amazing example of the difference that strong partnerships can really make in K-12 education.” Brandis Stockman, Program Manager for Education and Expanded Learning at NLC, discusses how city leaders – like those in Hartford, CT – are working together to re-engage youth who have become disengaged as a result of the pandemic.

NLC's City of the Future Team on How Diverse Cities All Help People Thrive

“We all work at NLC, and we live in cities across the country. We think that the City of the Future has elements of each of our cities.” Mixed-use spaces, vibrant businesses and more! NLC’s City of the Future team may live all throughout the country, but each of their cities has shared traits that help people not just live, but thrive! The City of the Future team is one of the finalists we’re highlighting today as part of NLC’s Rep Your City contest. In this contest, NLC staff were asked to share why they love their city, why they love NLC or a proud memory of working at NLC!

NLC Staff Gathering Included a Roadshow Stop and visits to Washington, D.C. City Government Offices