Yoder Named Named Vice Chair Of Western Piedmont Council Of Governments

Hickory: The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) has announced that Burke County Commissioner Randy Burns has been elected as the new Chair of the WPCOG Policy Board. Commissioner Burns will officially assume the role beginning January 1, 2026.

Commissioner Burns has provided dedicated leadership as Vice Chair of the Western Piedmont Council of Governments for the past two years, helping guide regional priorities and strengthen collaboration among member governments.

Alexander County Commissioner Larry Yoder has been elected to serve as the new Vice Chair. Commissioner Yoder brings extensive experience in local government and a strong commitment to advancing the interests of communities across the Western Piedmont.

Mayor of Taylorsville George Holleman continues his service as Treasurer.

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is a voluntary association of local governments serving Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties and their 24 municipalities in Western North Carolina. Established in 1968, the WPCOG is one of 16 regional councils in North Carolina formed under state law. With a rich history of providing long-range planning, service delivery, and technical assistance, the WPCOG is a trusted partner to its member governments. Its mission is to deliver professional, cost-effective support on local, regional, state, and federal issues, and to administer programs with excellence on a regional scale.