During this episode of Getting Real with Rob, we are introduced to Dena R. Diorio, our Mecklenburg County Manager. We pack a lot of information into a 20-minute podcast, but her journey to become the very first woman to serve as County Manager for Mecklenburg County is a story worth hearing.
During a lively and informative interview – that includes a fun lightning round Q and A session uncovering the fact that she needs more golf in her life, that pasta is her meal of choice, and that her bucket list trip would be to beautiful St Petersburg, Russia – we hear her easily transition from personal to professional as she gives our listeners a broad-stroke update about parks, school bonds, and the valuable lessons learned during COVID.
As a dedicated and incredibly gifted public servant, you’ll note her experience in local government spans a broad range of positions. But now Dena focuses on the lessons learned when sweeping changes are needed and how to get there. This leads us to sharing her admission that she is not afraid of change, progress, or the hard decisions, telling us that when leading her team one of her singular questions is, “If not us, then who?”
Other topics include learning more about the amazing park system in Mecklenburg County, and her openness to having frank discussions with our members to address our area’s lack of affordable housing.
Make no mistake, Dena doesn’t just speak about issues, she intends to find solutions.
2. Thoughts on the Run – 95% of Us Didn’t Vote, Why? And My Take on the Important General Election Races
Election season across the country is happening NOW. And early voting for the general election is at our doorstep. Voting is a right we should all embrace if we want to take control of our region and the accompanying decisions that will impact us for the next decade and beyond. And in addition to social issues, transportation now looms as the elephant in the room. Many initiatives have languished for decades because of our apathy. And it’s our own fault … (Click to Continue)
Rob Nanfelt
Executive Director, REBIC