WASHINGTON, DC – The Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) today elected City of Frederick Alderman Karen Lewis Young as its Chairwoman for 2013.

The COG Board is comprised of local and state elected officials from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia and is responsible for the regional body’s overall policy and funding decisions. Young, who serves as President Pro Tem of the Board of Aldermen, is the first Frederick City or County official to lead the Council of Governments.

“While downtown Frederick is about forty miles from the nation’s capital, there is much more that connects us with our neighbors in metropolitan Washington than separates us,” Young said. “I look forward to working closely with my colleagues on both sides of the Potomac on crucial, regional issues that know no boundaries, like the economy, transportation, energy, and the environment.”

Young plans on advancing COG’s new Economy Forward plan to strengthen the region’s competitiveness.  Key priorities will include identifying sustainable funding strategies for the region’s roads and transit as well as guiding more efficient investments in mixed-use activity centers, which help attract and retain businesses and workers.

Prior to her election as COG Chairwoman, Young has participated on several COG committees in addition to the Board of Directors, including the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, Legislative Committee, Board Executive Committee, Executive Director Search Committee, and the Employee Compensation and Benefits Review Committee. She was also selected to be the COG Representative on the Maryland Department of the Environment Air Quality Control Advisory Council.

COG also elected its 2013 Vice Chairs—Phil Mendelson and Bill Euille. Mendelson, a previous COG Chairman and President, is the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia. Euille, a previous COG President, is the Mayor of the City of Alexandria.