Kathy Holland - Committee for Safe and Secure Elections

Kathy Holland, Former Elections Director, Alamance County, North Carolina

Kathy Holland has demonstrated a lifelong devotion to the electoral process throughout her 32-year career with the Alamance County Board of Elections in North Carolina. She retired as the Director of Elections in 2021 while serving as President of the North Carolina Association of Directors of Elections.

She served in eight Presidential elections, presiding over five as Director. Under her leadership, she successfully guided Alamance County through the 2020 Presidential Election in the midst of local protests and unrest.

Kathy is a Certified North Carolina Elections Official and also holds the CERA Certification through the Elections Center and Auburn University. She is a graduate of the UNC School of Government Municipal and County Government Administration Program.

Because of her dedication to safe and secure elections, she was recruited to participate on multiple North Carolina State Board of Elections project teams during her tenure including work to implement a statewide computer system (SEIMS) in the early 1990’s, unified best practices through all 100 counties, voting equipment certification, and ADA accessibility improvement.

Kathy is a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper awarded this highest honor for her exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments in the State of North Carolina.

Giving her additional insight for the committee, Kathy’s husband Monte retired from law enforcement with 30 years of service. At retirement, he was serving as Major of Operations in his agency.

“Election officials are the heroes of our democracy, working harder than almost anyone I know to ensure that every one of us can exercise our fundamental right to vote. The intimidation and threats against these dedicated officials and their families must stop."

Kathy Boockvar
Vice President of Election Operations and Support, Center for Internet Security

“Democracy can only survive and thrive if we respect and protect its values and principles. Elected officials must respect those they serve, freely act within their elected authority and act on behalf of a nation that ensures their safety so they may make decisions without fear or intimidation. That is a true democracy."

Sheriff Paul Penzone
Maricopa County, Arizona

“Access to the ballot should not be stymied in any manner, nor should we ever lose valuable election officials because they are worn down from harassment, fear, threats and undue job hardships created to alter public faith in the electoral process. "

Kathy Holland
Director of Elections, Alamance County North Carolina (Ret.)
“I joined the committee because I took an oath, along with my law enforcement colleagues, to protect and serve all persons, which is in alignment with my personal values and morals. "

Captain Harold Love
Michigan State Police (Ret.), Owner and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Harold J. Love & Associates

“The 2020 election cycle brought many challenges for election officials, but the most shocking for me were the death threats, verbal assaults, intimidation, and scare tactics. I am one of the election officials that had my life and the lives of my family members threatened, and the threats have not ceased."

Tina Barton
Senior Elections Expert, The Elections Group

“My dad was a city clerk. Elections were a central and cherished part of his job. I joined this committee to ensure that today’s election officials can keep America’s elections running safely and securely, just like he did."

Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
“Election officials are unsung heroes of American democracy—they make sure our system operates as intended. Threats to these public servants are an attack on democracy itself. Law enforcement and election officials working together can help chart a safer and more secure path forward for future elections."

Orion Danjuma
Counsel, Protect Democracy

“Safe, secure, transparent elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. CSSE members recognize the great responsibility associated with election administration and embrace public accountability to ensure that all eligible voters can freely exercise their right to vote and have their ballots counted. We make it a point to welcome and encourage those who want to peacefully observe this fundamental democratic process."

Neal Kelley
Registrar of Voters (Ret.) Orange County, California

“As an election official who experienced the verbal threats and intimidation directed at me and my staff I feel I must be a voice on this committee to work with law enforcement to address this issue."

Joseph Gloria
Registrar of Voters, Clark County, Nevada
“Election workers are the guardians of our democracy, and attacks on them for doing their jobs are unacceptable. I’m proud to stand with and in support of this group of law enforcement and election officials, who are working on practical solutions to keep our elections safe and secure."

Larry Norden
Senior Director, Elections & Government, Brennan Center for Justice

“I have joined this committee because I believe in the mission and have full confidence that we will develop practices that are results driven and further strengthen the pipeline between law enforcement and election officials."

Derek Bowens
Director of Elections, Durham County, North Carolina