Mecklenburg County Manager Dena R. Diorio stands out this week after being recognized with the 2025 Excellence in Leadership Award by the Rotary Club of Charlotte. In a ceremony held last Tuesday, accolades were given for her exceptional leadership, especially her actions during challenges like natural disasters, a cyber-attack, and the ongoing pandemic, reports Mecklenburg County News.

Diorio's tenure as County Manager has seen the implementation of several significant initiatives, notably the Meck Pre-K program—a universal preschool initiative for four-year-olds that has become a flagship educational effort under her administration. However, her guidance wasn't solely focused on the young; during the unprecedent pandemic, she navigated the community through a maze of mandates, and when homelessness encampments surfaced, she was at the forefront, securing housing for impacted residents.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve as Mecklenburg County Manager,” Diorio humbly remarked at the event according to the report from Mecklenburg County News. She also expressed a deep connection with the Charlotte Rotary, of which she is a member, and shared her pride in standing alongside many other leaders who have been instrumental in shaping and maintaining the community.

The Rotary Club of Charlotte itself is part of an international network of leaders who are deeply invested in community service, leadership, and having an global footprint. Amongst the members are notable figures such as former North Carolina Governor and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory; Mecklenburg County Commissioner Laura Meier; Charlotte City Councilman Ed Driggs; and former Charlotte City Councilman Edwin Peacock. Past recipients of the Excellence in Leadership award have included influential names like Erskine Bowles, Johnny Harris, Michael Marsicano, and Pat Rodgers.