Press Releases - County Council

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Honors Councilmember Stewart With Their Highest Honor, the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 5, 2025

From the Office of Councilmember Kate Stewart

Councilmember Kate Stewart received the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) on Dec. 3. Councilmember Stewart received COG’s highest honor for public service in recognition of her outstanding contributions to regional collaboration, the wellbeing of the region, and her dedicated public service.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for consensus building and addressing our region’s biggest, interrelated challenges such as housing supply and affordability, homelessness, transportation accessibility, climate change, and racial inequities,” said Councilmember Stewart, who just wrapped up her one-year term as Council president. “COG’s work is more important than ever, as state and local leaders navigate the cruel and capricious decisions being made at the federal level of government. We stand united in service and support for our residents across the region.”  

“It is an honor to recognize Kate Stewart for her commitment to help all residents of our region,” said COG Board of Directors Chair Rodney Lusk. “Through her public service she has been a champion of fiscal stewardship and support for our federal workforce. As a former COG Board Chair, Kate Stewart was instrumental in advancing COG's racial equity work and ensuring COG's data on equity is used to inform planning and funding decisions to improve outcomes for all residents within our region.”

“I’ve worked with and seen Kate operate up close. She knows how to lead boldly and build consensus to deliver results for our entire region,” said Washington, D.C. Ward 6 Councilmember and COG Vice Chair Charles Allen. “When leading the COG Board, she worked with regional colleagues to understand the needs and plans across the entire DMV to push ambitious plans to stabilize and grow WMATA’s finances and services, and to grow our regional transit network to deliver better quality services for residents, no matter where they live. I’m very excited to see her leadership recognized and honored with this award.”

“Kate Stewart is a dynamic public servant who understands our region’s challenges and seeks innovative solutions to improve our quality of life,” said Frederick County Executive and COG Committee Member Jessica Fitzwater. “She truly deserves the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Service Award for her deep commitment and outstanding contributions to the region.”

Councilmember Stewart served as chair of COG’s Board of Directors in 2023 and has been a board member since 2016, having previously served as vice chair and as secretary-treasurer for the COG Corporation.   

Some of the former elected officials who have received the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award include U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Governor Parris Glendening, Montgomery County Executive Douglas Duncan, and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III.

The Scull Award for Public Service is named for Elizabeth and David Scull, two former Montgomery County Councilmembers. Learn more about the Scull Award.

More information about Councilmember Stewart can be found on her Council webpage.

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Release ID: 25-399
Media Contact: Cecily Thorne 301-910-0610
Categories: Kate Stewart