Charles County Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins II (District 3) will serve as the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) corporate secretary-treasurer for 2012.  He will fulfill the term of office began on December 14 by Candice Quinn Kelly, president of the Charles County Board of Commissioner.  Commissioner Collins' term will expire in December 2013, although re-election to a second term is possible.

"It is truly an honor to be able to serve COG in this leadership role," said Commissioner Collins. "I look forward to being a part of an organization that meets the information needs of local governments, the private sector, and individuals interested in regional issues."

COG is a not-for-profit corporation with four corporate officer posts that are elected annually by its membership: president, two vice presidents, and secretary-treasurer.
 
The COG bylaws outline the roles and responsibilities of the secretary-treasurer.  These responsibilities include several duties concerning fiscal oversight, such as meeting with COG staff on COG's financial status, and presenting a summary financial report to the COG Board each quarter.  Also, the secretary-treasurer serves as a member of the Budget and Finance and the Employee Compensation and Benefits Review Committees.  

Founded in 1957, COG is an independent, nonprofit association comprised of elected officials from 22 local governments, members of the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and members of the U.S. Congress. For more than 50 years, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, known as COG, has helped develop regional solutions to such issues as the environment, affordable housing, growth and development, public health, child welfare, public safety, homeland security, and transportation.