BALTIMORE (January 24, 2007) -- The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) announced that the Honorable David R. Craig was elected Chair at its Board of Directors meeting on January 23. Howard County Executive Ken Ulman was elected Vice Chair. Harford County Executive Craig succeeds Carroll County Commissioner Julia W. Gouge, who served as chair in 2006. Other board members include Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold, Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon, Baltimore County Executive James T. Smith, Jr., and Carroll County Commissioner Dean L. Minnich, who replaces Commissioner Gouge on the BMC Board.

The Baltimore Metropolitan Council is the organization of the region's elected executives, which serves as a forum for identifying regional interests and developing collaborative strategies, plans and programs to improve the quality of life and economic vitality throughout the region. In addition, BMC provides technical and staff support to the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, the federally-designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region.

"I am honored that my regional colleagues have chosen me to chair the BMC," Craig said.  "I expect to focus on continuing regional collaboration on issues that affect us all, such as homeland security, transportation and BRAC."

A native of Havre de Grace, Harford County Executive David R. Craig began his political career as a member of the Havre de Grace City Council from 1979-85. He served as Mayor of Havre de Grace from 1985-89 and again from 2001-05.

From 1991-94 he represented Harford County’s District 34 in the Maryland House of Delegates. In 1995 he was elected to the State Senate, again representing District 34 in Harford County. He chaired the Harford County Delegation from 1998-99.

On July 7, 2005, he was appointed Harford County Executive. He was elected to a full term by the citizens of Harford County in 2006. He is an active member of the Board of Directors of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board; and the Board of Directors of the Maryland Association of Counties.

County Executive Craig is a graduate of Havre de Grace High School. He received a B.S. degree from Towson State College in 1971, and an M.A. from Morgan State University in 1983.

He is a former Assistant Principal of Magnolia, Aberdeen and Southampton Middle Schools. He is active in the Susquehanna Museum, Friends of Concord Point Lighthouse, Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, Sons of the American Legion - Post 47, and Boy Scouts of America Troop 967.

County Executive Craig and his wife Melinda have three children and seven grandchildren.