For Immediate ReleaseFor More Information, Contact
November 19, 2007
PIO# 288-07		Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, at 703.838.5078


Vice Mayor Pepper Elected Corporate President of the
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments


On November 15, Alexandria Vice Mayor Redella S. “Del” Pepper was elected by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) membership as its Corporate President. Washington D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, and City of Frederick, MD, Alderman Alan Imhoff, will serve as Vice Presidents. Judith Davis, Mayor of Greenbelt, MD, will serve as Secretary-Treasurer.

Vice Mayor Pepper was first elected to the Alexandria City Council in 1985. She has represented the City of Alexandria on COG's Board of Directors for six years and presently serves as Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille's alternate. In addition she serves on COG's Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee (MWAQC), where she has played an active role in advocating for transportation and environmental initiatives that improve air quality across the region. She also serves on COG's Climate Change Steering Committee and previously chaired the Human Services Policy Committee.

“In my new role as COG President, I will be responsible for making sure that COG continues to be run in a sound, cost-effective fashion,” said Vice Mayor Pepper. “I look forward to being part of the leadership team that will develop the fiscal year work program and budget.”

Vice Mayor Pepper was elected at the organization’s 50th Anniversary Gala, where 500 members and special guests commemorated success in uniting officials on regional issues. Over the past half century, COG has encouraged local officials to look beyond their jurisdictional boundaries at the bigger, regional picture on issues like transportation, the environment, human services, public safety, and homeland security.

In COG’s 50-year history, no other Alexandria elected official has served as COG Corporate President except former Alexandria Mayor Charles E. Beatley in 1972.
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