Derrick L. Davis, a local county council member active in regional efforts to support transit-oriented communities, Karla Bruce, the region’s first chief equity officer, and a group of organizations working to end hunger in the region were recognized today by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) at its annual membership meeting for their leadership. Members also elected a new slate of corporate officers for next year, including Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro as COG Corporate President.
Prince George’s County Council Member Derrick L. Davis received the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award.
Prince George's County Council Member Derrick L. Davis
Davis has served on the COG Board of Directors since 2016, serving as Vice Chair from 2017-2019 and as Chair in 2020.
“Derrick Davis has his fingerprints over much of what the COG Board has accomplished over the last 5 years,” said COG Board Vice Chair and Arlington County Board Member Christian Dorsey, who announced Davis's award. “Through his leadership in chairing initiatives and the Board, his infectious boosterism of our region, and willingness to “walk the walk” in seeking consensus, he has epitomized the spirit of the Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award.”
During his tenure as COG Board Chair in 2020, Davis prioritized planning efforts related to transit-oriented communities and led the adoption of a board resolution establishing equity as a fundamental COG value. In 2021, Davis co-chaired a task force that produced unanimous regional support and advocacy for statehood for the District of Columbia. In previous years, he helped lead COG’s Metro Strategy Group, which helped forge consensus on the transit system’s capital needs and supported the push for a dedicated funding agreement, as well as COG’s Housing Strategy Group that developed regional housing production and affordability targets.
The Scull Award is given to a local, state, or federal elected official, who demonstrates great leadership at the regional level. It is named after the late Montgomery County Councilmembers, who were strong supporters of COG and regional cooperation.
Fairfax County Chief Equity Officer Karla Bruce received the Ronald F. Kirby Award for Collaborative Leadership.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay presented the Kirby Award to Fairfax County Chief Equity Officer Karla Bruce.
As the first Chief Equity Officer appointed in the region, Karla Bruce pioneered the adoption of the One Fairfax Racial and Social Equity Resolution and Policy and provides overall management of the One Fairfax strategic framework.
“Karla is a trailblazer,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay. “It’s clear—everyone who has had the pleasure of working with Karla Bruce looks up to her and sees her as an invaluable resource in their own critical efforts to advance racial equity.”
Bruce also served on COG’s Racial Equity Work Group and as the inaugural chair of COG’s Chief Equity Officers Committee this year.
The Kirby Award recognizes non-elected government executives, who work collaboratively with elected officials, stakeholders, and their communities to shape a better region. The award is presented in the memory of Ron Kirby, COG’s Transportation Planning Director from 1987 to 2013.
D.C., Maryland, and Virginia Hunger Solutions, and their respective Executive Directors, Dr. Beverley Wheeler, Michael J. Wilson, and Salaam Bhatti jointly received the inaugural Stuart A. Freudberg Award for Regional Partnership.
Salaam Bhatti (Virginia Hunger Solutions), Dr. Beverley Wheeler (DC Hunger Solutions), and Michael J. Wilson (Maryland Hunger Solutions)
D.C., Maryland, and Virginia Hunger Solutions (a project of the Virginia Poverty Law Center) are initiatives of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), and have successfully advocated for improvements to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and helped to improve access to this and other food security programs in the region.
“Like Stuart, the recipients of the first Freudberg Award have shown remarkable leadership, building and leveraging connections to create lasting change, including in a challenging time for many,” said COG Food and Agriculture Regional Member Policy Committee Chair and District of Columbia Councilmember Mary Cheh.
The group also contributed to COG’s regional food security calls during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue their work to ensure residents can access their benefits.
The Freudberg Award is presented to organizations or individuals that provided leadership in support of regional policies or programs endorsed by COG. The award is presented in the memory of Stuart A. Freudberg, who served several leadership roles in his 40-year COG career, including as Deputy Executive Director from 2014 to 2020.
Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro was elected COG Corporate President
COG members also elected a new slate of corporate officers for next year. Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro was elected COG Corporate President, Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair Ann Wheeler and District of Columbia At-Large Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. were elected Corporate Vice Presidents, and Fairfax County Supervisor Rodney Lusk was elected Secretary-Treasurer.