Council on Government Affairs (COGA)

Reports To Board of Directors
Leadership Chair and Vice Chair
Member Composition Chair, Vice Chair, 8-13 Members at Large (Fellows, Active) 
Committee Size Limit 10 - 15
2024-2026 Chair Robert Bourgeois, MD, MPH, FACOEM
2024-2026 Vice Chair Judith McKenzie, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, FACOEM
Staff Liaison Julie Ording - Director, Scientific Affairs

Council Charges


  1. Supports the College's vision, mission, strategic plan, and principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.  
  2. ​The Council on Government Affair's (COGA) priorities are as follows:
    1. Lobby for enduring funding for all OEM Residency Programs and establish new programs.
    2. Secure new line item funding.
    3. Continue to support NIOSH / OSHA Federal funding.
    4. Support ACOEM member application / selection to available Federal government and other national committees.
    5. Increase OEM / ACOEM visibility to various new Federal Departments and Agencies.
    6. Nurture and grow the current ACOEM relationships with the Senate HELP Committee and other legislative bodies.

​Composition and Charges last updated April 2025.
Apply for Council and
Committee Vacancies


If you are a member of ACOEM and are interested in attending a COGA meeting as a guest observer, please contact Julie Ording for information on the next COGA meeting.