The Council of Governments staff of subject matter experts and administrative professionals help COG members shape strong communities and a better region. For a full listing, visit the COG staff directory.
Clark Mercer
Executive Director
Clark Mercer is an executive leader with more than 20 years of experience in the public, private, and civic sectors, including serving as a former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Virginia. As executive director, he is responsible for COG’s overall administration, supporting the COG Board of Directors and its policy committees, and representing COG before a variety of government, business, and other stakeholder organizations.
Kanti Srikanth
Deputy Executive Director for Metropolitan Planning
Kanti Srikanth oversees and coordinates the integration of transportation, land use, housing, climate, energy, and air quality planning programs. He has more than 30 years of experience in transportation and regional planning. Kanti has served as the Staff Director for the Transportation Planning Board at COG since 2014 and as Deputy Executive Director since 2019.
Jeff King
Director, Climate, Energy, and Air Programs
Jeff King oversees a variety of initiatives to help COG members address climate change at the regional level, such as climate mitigation, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction. He also supports committees focused on air quality and climate and energy planning. Jeff has been with COG since 2004.
Julie Mussog
Chief Financial Officer
Julie Mussog oversees the Office of Financial and Administrative Services, which is responsible for all financial affairs including but not limited to purchasing, contracting, and facilities. She serves as an advisor to senior management on fiscal and budget-related issues and provides strategic business planning. Julie has been with COG since 2019.
Lionel Bernard
Director, Office of Information Technology
Lionel Bernard is responsible for overseeing network infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud computing, telecommunications, document management, and helpdesk operations. He also supports a committee of information technology officers in the region. Lionel has been with COG since 2019.
Monica Beyrouti Nunez
Manager, Government Relations and Member Services
Monica Beyrouti Nunez serves as a liaison between COG and its member governments. She oversees all legislative advocacy efforts, external partnerships, and supports the COG Board of Directors as well as the region’s chief equity officers. Monica has been with COG since 2013.
Scott Boggs
Director, Department of Homeland Security and Public Safety
Scott Boggs oversees COG's collaboration with a broad network of chief administrative officers, first responders, emergency managers, and other stakeholders through various homeland security and public safety committees. He and his team also manage emergency communication across the region. Scott joined COG in 2017.
Steve Bieber
Director, Water Resources Program
Steve Bieber oversees COG’s water resources program and its related committees. This work includes the regional Anacostia Restoration Partnership as well as water quality, water security, and other environmental programs for local governments and utilities in the region. He has been with COG since 2003.
Steve Kania
Manager, Office of Communications
Steve Kania oversees communications at COG, which includes media relations, publications and presentations, as well as digital news content. He also supports committees of area public information officers. Steve has been with COG since 2004.