Restoring Local Power
When Counties Decide, Communities Thrive
PRIORITIES
01
Advancing fiscal strength for all counties
Federal funding should reflect the needs of local communities. Strategic investment and strong collaboration with the federal government make our counties stronger.
02
Lifting and empowering local leaders
As local leaders, we must retain the ability to meet the unique needs of our communities. Local control is key to a sustainable future.
03
help local regions thrive
We must secure fiscal tools and resources to plan long-term, invest in infrastructure and protect taxpayer dollars.
04
Building a better future for every community
Stronger futures come from inclusive leadership. When everyone has a seat at the table, our counties prosper.
ABOUT sarah
Sarah’s career in public service spans over two decades. She has held various positions that have equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary for this role.
For the past 11 years, she has been serving as the elected Coconino County Treasurer. Throughout that time, she has been committed to advancing NACo’s work through a variety of roles, including:
-
Vice Chair of Finance, Pensions, and Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Steering Committee
-
Chair of Fiscal Policy & Pensions Subcommittee
-
Member of NACo Board of Directors
-
Member of NACo Finance Standing Committee
-
Member of NACo Advisory Council on Immigration and Intergovernmental Affairs
-
President of a NACo Affiliate Group
-
Past President of the Arizona Association of Counties (AACo)
Sarah has dedicated herself to serving communities on a local, state and national level. Her professional and personal experiences have shaped her into a leader people trust.
Support Sarah
Support our Candidacy
Experience
Strength that speaks for itself
Government Experience
Sarah started her career as a researcher for NASA at the age of 16. Since then, she has worked for the National Park Service, managed benefits for a large school district in Oregon, and served as the elected Coconino County Treasurer in Arizona since 2014.
Leadership Roles
Sarah has taken on leadership roles in various committees and organizations.
NACo Experience and Leadership, including:
-
Board Member of the NACo Board of Directors
-
Vice Chair of Finance, Pensions, and Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Steering Committee
-
Chair of Fiscal Policy & Pensions Subcommittee
-
2025 Tally Clerk
-
Member of NACo Audit Committee
-
Member of NACo Advisory Council on Immigration and Intergovernmental Affairs
-
Member of NACo Finance Standing Committee
-
Member of NACo Health Policy Steering Committee
-
Member of NACo Human Services & Education Policy Steering Committee
Other Key Leadership Roles
-
Congressional Testimony on local control in Government Financial Management
-
President of the Arizona Association of Counties (AACo)
-
President of the Arizona Association of County Treasurers (ACTA)
-
President of the National Association of Hispanic County Officials (NAHCO)
-
2nd Vice President of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO)
-
2023 National Government Controller of the Year by the Controllers Council
"Sarah Benatar is a true leader. Through collaboration and advocacy, her commitment to her community strengthens fiscal health in our counties. Our communities prosper when we are empowered to make strong, thoughtful decisions. Sarah exemplifies how dedicated local leaders can help counties meet the specific needs of their constituents. I am proud to support Sarah Benatar for 2nd Vice President of NACo"
Commissioner Adrian Garcia,
Harris County, TX
NACo Board Member
"As a Republican County Sheriff, I've worked with leaders across the spectrum – but few demonstrate the kind of fiscal accountability that Sarah brings to the table. Her leadership balances public safety with smart budgeting – exactly what we need in a 2nd Vice President.”
Sheriff David Rhodes
Yavapai County, AZ
“I am proud to support Sarah Benatar for 2nd Vice President of NACo. Her collaborative leadership and commitment to advancing fiscal strength for counties reflect our shared belief that when counties are empowered to make thoughtful decisions, all of our communities thrive. Sarah understands that strong local leadership, grounded in practical solutions, enables counties to meet the unique needs of the people they serve"
Commissioner David Stout
El Paso, TX
Arizona Sheriffs' Association
County supervisors association of Arizona
Latino Caucus of California Counties
treasurer Jennifer taylor, Sandoval County, NM
Additonal endorsments
-
Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, Commissioner, Mecklenburg County, NC
-
Wendy Root Askew, Supervisor, Monterey County, CA
-
Carolina Mejia, Commissioner, Thurston County, WA
-
Louie Minor, Commissioner, Bell County, TX
-
Jackie Butler, Commissioner, El Paso County, TX
-
Luis Carlos Davis, Supervisor, Santa Cruz County, AZ
-
Rudy “Bugs” Molera, Supervisor, Santa Cruz County, AZ
-
Susan Rodriguez-McDowell, Commissioner, Mecklenburg County, NC
-
Wendy Root Askew, Supervisor, Monterey County, CA
-
Carolina Mejia, Commissioner, Thurston County, WA
-
Louie Minor, Commissioner, Bell County, TX
-
Jackie Butler, Commissioner, El Paso County, TX
Luis Carlos Davis, Supervisor, Santa Cruz County, AZ
Rudy “Bugs” Molera, Supervisor, Santa Cruz County, AZ