Bozrah First Selectman William Ballinger will now serve as the chairman of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments, a regional planning agency. 

The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments elected its 2014-15 slate of officers at its meeting Wednesday. Based on recommendations from the council’s nominating committee, council members elected Groton Mayor Marian Galbraith as vice chairman, Montville Mayor Ronald McDaniel as treasurer and Lebanon First Selectwoman Joyce Okonuk as secretary. 

Ballinger thanked the council for electing him chairman and presented a plaque to Salem First Selectman Kevin Lyden, who served as the council’s chairman for 2013-14, in recognition of his service. 

Lyden and Groton Town Manager Mark Oefinger will act as representatives atlarge on the council’s executive committee.