Mecklenburg County Manager Recognized for Excellence in Leadership

Mecklenburg County Manager Dena R. Diorio received the 2025 Excellence in Leadership Award by the Rotary Club of Charlotte at its meeting on Feb. 11.

Diorio was noted for her leadership over the years in Mecklenburg County where she faced natural disasters, a cyber-attack, and the pandemic.

She was praised for her leadership in many initiatives including the Meck Pre-K program, the free, universal preschool program for four-year-olds. She was noted for guiding the community through various community mandates during the pandemic and addressing the homeless encampments and finding housing for those residents. Diorio was also recognized for maintaining the County’s fiscal strength during her administration.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve as Mecklenburg County Manager,” Diorio said. “The Charlotte Rotary is a very special place for me as I am a member. There are so many leaders in this organization who have helped to shape and sustain our community. I am so proud to be among them and I am humbled by this honor.”

The Rotary Club of Charlotte is a member of an international organization of civic leaders dedicated in service to others as well as to fostering leadership, community engagement, and global impact. The Charlotte Rotary members include 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. Previous Excellence in Leadership winners include Erskine Bowles, Johnny Harris, Michael Marsicano, and Pat Rodgers.