Alexander County Public Information Officer Gary Herman has been named the recipient of the 2026 NC City & County Communicators (NC3C) Chris Coulson Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award was announced at this year’s NC3C conference in April in Beaufort; however, Herman was unable to attend. The award was formally presented during the June 1 meeting of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners by NC3C President Adam Gaub, along with NC3C Past Presidents Annette Privette Keller and Dana Kaminske.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive the Chris Coulson Lifetime Achievement Award,” Herman said. “NC3C has been an important part of my professional journey, and I am grateful for the friendships, mentorship, and opportunities the organization has provided over the years. To be recognized by my peers is very meaningful.”
“Gary’s dedication to public service and his passion for communicating with our citizens have made a tremendous impact on Alexander County,” said Chairman Larry Yoder. “This recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to have him representing Alexander County.”
Herman began his communications career as a journalist with The Taylorsville Times. In 2006, he was hired as Public Information Officer for the City of Newton. He joined Alexander County in 2012 as Small Business Development Coordinator and was named Public Information Officer in 2018.
He is a charter member of NC3C and has been an active member ever since, serving on the Board of Directors as secretary and vice president. Over the years, he has photographed conferences, helped plan conferences, supported new members, and provided advice, guidance, and encouragement to communicators across North Carolina.
“Gary has not only won awards for his work through our annual Excellence in Communications Awards program, but he has also served on the board in various capacities and has helped record the history of our organization for future generations,” said NC3C President Adam Gaub. “Those who know Gary best describe him as a helper – a person who is always willing to give of his time, whether it be for his peers, for his church, or for his community.”
The Chris Coulson Lifetime Achievement Award is named in memory of Chris Coulson, a founding member who helped establish NC3C in 2007. The award recognizes communicators whose service, leadership, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on local government communications throughout North Carolina. Learn more about NC3C at www.nc3c.com.