Stuart Freudberg, a central figure in COG’s regional work for four decades passed away on June 15. 

Freudberg came to COG in 1980 as a young graduate student out of MIT – a civil engineer focusing on water systems. In the years that followed, he rose to become Director of the Department of Environmental Programs, then Senior Director of Environment, Homeland Security, and Health, and finally Deputy Executive Director—serving in senior leadership positions for all five of COG’s executive directors.

He applied his subject matter expertise, mastery of administration, and political acumen to usher through solutions to some of the region’s most complex challenges, including the restoration of the Potomac River, emergency preparedness activities following 9/11, and Metro funding and safety initiatives. He was known for being a considerate and caring colleague and friend to his fellow staff members and a go-to resource for COG members and stakeholders.

"Stuart had an exceptional grasp on the details and an ability to see the big picture," said COG Executive Director Chuck Bean. "This ability, along with endless curiosity, translated into achievements—why he was so good at COG and why his life’s work meant so much to the region."

Reflecting on his career before his retirement in 2020, Freudberg said his years at COG were all about relationships, so it was no surprise he was proudest of the many partnerships, programs, and plans that he helped develop with COG staff and members, including water supply and drought planning, the Anacostia restoration partnership, and COG committees focused on air quality, Chesapeake Bay restoration, and climate change. We encourage you to learn more about his career and legacy in this news highlight as well as this obituary in The Washington Post.