Toledo City Council Joins TMACOG Regional Leadership

Toledo City Councilman George Sarantou is among a slate of public officials elected in January to lead the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG).

Councilman Sarantou was elected as first vice chair of TMACOG, where he will work with 2025 Chair Edward L. Schimmel, the Mayor of Northwood, and Lucas County Commission President Lisa Sobecki, who will serve as second vice chair. Together they will lead TMACOG’s Governing Board and larger membership body, the General Assembly.

Toledo City Council President Carrie Hartman also holds a seat on the Governing Board, which is responsible for approving TMACOG’s budget, membership dues, annual work program, and various policies, plans, and programs. Representation is set by TMACOG's bylaws and includes counties, cities, villages, townships, schools, and special districts. Prior to 2025, this body was known as the TMACOG Board of Trustees.

Councilman Sarantou said he is excited to join TMACOG’s efforts to drive collaboration across the region on transportation, water quality, and other economic development matters.

“I am honored to be elected by peers to serve as the Vice Chair of TMACOG’s Governing Board,” said At-Large Councilman George Sarantou. “TMACOG does important work to help local municipalities with transportation funding and planning, water quality and sustainability policies, and more. I am pleased to be working with Chair Schimmel and 2nd Vice Chair Sobecki and I look forward to serving in this capacity for the benefit of residents across our region.”

“I always appreciate the commitment that elected officials make to serve their communities, and I applaud the additional dedication shown by those who choose to give even more of their time by serving the region,” said Sandy Spang, TMACOG executive director. “We are grateful for everyone who has agreed to be part of our Governing Board or participate in the many other councils, committees, and advisory groups that make up TMACOG.”

Toledo City Council members will work with leaders from across the region in multiple TMACOG roles during 2025, including:

• Governing Board (formerly the Board of Trustees)
  • Vice Chair, George Sarantou, Councilman At-Large
  • Member, Carrie Hartman, Council President At-Large
• Leadership Development Committee
  • Member, George Sarantou, Councilman At-Large
• Water Quality Council
  • Member, Nick Komives, Council Member At-Large
• Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board
  • Member, Nick Komives, Council Member At-Large
• Freight Advisory Group
  • Member, Theresa Morris, Councilwoman D6
• Passenger Rail Advisory Group
  • Member, Theresa Morris, Councilwoman D6