David J. Robertson
Executive Director, Metropolitan Washington
Council of Governments
David J. Robertson is the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and was appointed to this position by the COG Board of Directors on April 9, 2003. COG is the association of 19 local governments in the Washington area, and provides a focus for action and develops sound regional responses to such issues as the environment, affordable housing, economic development, health and family concerns, population growth, public safety, and transportation. Founded in 1957, COG is supported by financial contributions from its participating local governments, federal and state grants, and private sector funding.
Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Mr. Robertson served briefly served as Interim Executive Director in early 2003 and as Director of COG's Department of Human Services, Planning and Public Safety from 1990 to 2002. In this capacity, Mr. Robertson was responsible for managing a wide range of public policy and technical activities, including fostering partnerships with area businesses, non-profit and philanthropic organizations. Since September 11, 2001, Mr. Robertson has served as the project director responsible for COG's homeland security and emergency preparedness planning efforts. Mr. Robertson has held several technical and management positions at COG during the past 16 years.
Mr. Robertson received a Master of Urban Planning degree from George Washington University , and also holds a Bachelor's degree from Wayne State University in Detroit , Michigan . Prior to coming to COG, Mr. Robertson worked for the National Association of Home Builders and U.S. Representative David Bonior of Michigan .
Memberships/Professional Associations
A Greater Washington (Board Member)
American Planning Association (Member)
American Red Cross of the National Capital Region (Board Member)
Greater Washington Board of Trade (Ex Officio Board Member)
International City/County Management Association (Associate Member)
Leadership Washington (Member, Class of 2002)
National Conference for Community and Justice, National Capital Area Region (Board Member)