South Mecklenburg News

County of Mecklenburg issued the following announcement on Nov. 10.

Mecklenburg County Manager Dena R. Diorio has been named 2020 Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year by Queens University of Charlotte.  The award, now in its 34th year, recognizes a leading female executive who has made significant, sustained contributions to the business community. 

Diorio is responsible for executing the policy decisions of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and leading the County organization by overseeing the administration of County departments. She also advises the BOCC on operational and financial matters, services and other issues, and submits an annual operating and capital budget for the Board's consideration.  

Most notable of her achievements is outstanding leadership in 2020 navigating the COVID-19 pandemic locally and throughout the state. Diorio is also said to lead with a great deal of fairness and transparency. According to Diorio, "I am honored and humbled by this award and thankful to those who considered me. It is my privilege to serve this community and be named among the most respected women leaders in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County." 

Diorio joined Mecklenburg County in 2007 as director of the Department of Financial Services. In 2013, she was promoted to assistant county manager for fiscal control, policies and standards compliance where she provided executive management oversight of the County's Financial Services Department (comprising Central Finance, Human Services Finance, and the Office of Tax Collector) as well as MECKLINK Finance and the Assessor's Office.  She earned her B.S. in social services from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and earned a master's degree in public administration from Columbia University. 

Established in 1986, this award honors the achievements of exceptional businesswomen based on their contributions to the business, civic and cultural communities in the Charlotte region. Queens University of Charlotte will announce plans for an awards luncheon later in December.  Find out more about Diorio's responsibilities as Mecklenburg County Manager here.

Original source: https://www.mecknc.gov/news/Pages/Diorio-Named-2020-Charlotte-BusinessWoman-of-the-Year.aspx