Commissioner President Collins elected chair of COG Board for 2026

News Release # 2026-005

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors elected Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II as its chair for 2026.

As chair, Collins will lead the regional planning body as it works to strengthen the Metropolitan Washington region's economy amid federal workforce reductions and shifts in federal funding priorities and programs.

"Our region is resilient. We've come together on issues that go beyond boundaries, and I'm excited to build on that collaborative momentum to create lasting change. COG provides a place for government officials from every area jurisdiction to provide their unique perspective and work on solutions," Collins said.

Collins will be the first representative from Charles County to serve as chair. He has held previous leadership roles at COG, serving as COG Board vice chair for the past two years and chair of the Transportation Planning Board in 2023.

COG is an independent, nonprofit association of 24 local governments in a region that's home to nearly 6 million residents. The Board of Directors is COG's governing body and is responsible for its overall policies, functions, and funds. Board members are appointed each year by the participating local governments and by caucuses of state legislative delegations from the region.

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