For Immediate Release: Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Montgomery Council President Berliner
named winner of prestigious
Washington Council of Governments
“Scull Award” for
outstanding leadership, service to region
ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 20, 2016—Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner, who is currently serving a one-year term as chair of the board of directors of the Washington Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), was recently presented with the organization’s highest honor: the Elizabeth and David Scull Award for Metropolitan Public Service. The award, which represents “outstanding leadership and service to the region,” was presented at COG’s annual meeting.
The award was presented by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova and Vice Chairman Penny Gross.
“I was deeply touched to receive this award,” said Council President Berliner. “It is particularly gratifying given that Elizabeth and David Scull were former Montgomery County Councilmembers and represented the very best of what it means to be in public service.”
As chairman of the COG Board of Directors, Council President Berliner led the board as it focused on restoring safety and service in the Metrorail system. Throughout the year, he often served as a regional spokesperson on the issue, and encouraged conversations among private, public and civic leaders, and Metro management. He led two regional forums hosted by COG and the Greater Washington Board of Trade on the need to improve Metro’s performance.
Following an initial analysis of performance metrics for Metro, its funding needs, and the economic value of the system to the region, a COG task force will explore revenue options in early 2017 to help steer Metro toward a solid financial foundation.
In 2016, Council President Berliner also worked alongside COG, universities, businesses and others to enhance the region’s competitiveness through efforts such as the Global Cities Initiative.
Before serving as board chairman, Councilmember Berliner led COG’s Climate, Energy and Environment Policy Committee. Under his leadership, the group focused on modernizing the electric grid and improving emergency coordination related to energy.
The Elizabeth and David Scull Award for Metropolitan Public Service is presented annually to a local, state or federal elected official for outstanding service to metropolitan Washington. It is named after the late Montgomery County Councilmembers, who were strong supporters of COG and regional cooperation.
# # # #
Release ID: 16-396