Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance has been selected as the first vice president of the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC), the county government announced on Wednesday. Dance will serve out a one-year term in the role that begins on October 1st.
In addition to his vice presidential role, Dance will also be the Chair of the Institute for County Government (ICG), which also operates on a one-year term. That tenure begins on Friday. It’ll allow him to oversee ‘nonpartisan training and professional development’ for a wide swatch of Florida’s county-level elected officials.
Those who participate in the NEFRC are representatives from local government entities. They convene to discuss and plan for issues that resonate across more than one of the area’s counties, including emergency preparedness, coastal habitat resilience, and fiscal policy such as transportation infrastructure and economic development.
“These roles are about advancing regional collaboration – on growth management, resilience, transportation, and economic opportunity,” Dance said. “Flagler County’s voice at the NEFRC table will remain focused on practical solutions that strengthen our communities while protecting the natural assets that define Northeast Florida.”
The NEFRC was founded in 1977, with a described mission of “championing the diverse strengths of the region by actively involving the people, businesses, governments, and organizations across Northeast Florida” according to the organization’s website. The area covered by the NEFRC’s territory encompasses seven Florida counties: Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Putnam, Nassau, and St. Johns.
“This is such a well-deserved recognition of your leadership and the respect you’ve earned across the region,” County Administrator Heidi Petito said to Dance. “It reflects well on Flagler County to see you representing it in this role. I know you’ll bring the same dedication and passion to the Council that you bring to serving our community every day.”
Congrats Mr. Dance. I’m sure you will do a great job as you have done with all the government positions you have ever had, have, or will have. keep up the good work.